Recently Leela had a recent popsicle playdate because us mommies only had about an hour & what cuter of a reason to get the kids together. So today Leela asked if she was allowed to be shy for an upcoming playdate I had just told her about. I said, ‘Sure, yep, do what you want.’ (my finest mothering skills aren’t typically around 4pm.lol). In which she said, ‘Thanks Mom, sometimes I get as scared for a new playdate as I am of the dark at night.’…
I told her, well just as you use a flashlight, or bring a friend, or hug a teddy bear to be brave in the dark you can use tools to make you brave with friends.( this entire conversation humored me bc she is just like me, quiet in the beginning & end, & an explosion of loud non-stop energy in the moments in between). But I agree, those first hellos are sometimes terrifying.
I told her how I use tools all the time. I have her by my side to help me be bold to other mommies, or I have a bottle of water in my hand, which is actually an odd security blanket-like habit I started in high school, similar to a flashlight for the dark. (I drinks crazy amounts of water all the time, but it oddly started out of nervousness. lol).
So tonight as we walked in to church she offered to hold my hand because I was obviously scared. (water bottle giveaway.lol). & before bed she declared, ‘mom, I’ve decided what my security blanket with friends will be. Popsicles! They always help me be brave!’ hahahaha! smart smart girl! Silly metaphors, silly moments, yet often Im amazed at how much actual emotions or feelings her random comments actually hold. Love being her mom. Love that she makes me brave.
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