Mum compares parenting to a bandaid... and we've a feeling she's SO right
When you cut your finger or scrape your knees, our go-to remedy is usually a bandaid.
It's also our number one choice for our children when they arrive with a 'boo boo', it instantly makes them feel better, and the tears subside.
But while a bandaid helps us to heal, nobody ever explained how ripping off the protective plaster can sting like hell too.
Alyce Kominetsky is a mum-of-one who believes that parenting can mimic the exact feeling of ripping off that dreaded bandaid.
"As our children grow, we watch them become more independent. We celebrate each and every milestone."
"But, with each milestone they reach… a little piece of us gets torn away. The initial fear of pulling away… the tugs on our flesh… the exposure of our skin."
"What's left behind is a piece of us that is forever changed. Parenting with our heart is like ripping off a bandaid."
Alyce explains the comparison by reminding us of how when our skin is cut it's raw and vulnerable just like parenting; when your heart is full of love for your child, it 'pulls on your emotions and tugs on your heartstrings' because your love is exposed.
Nonetheless we eventually have to rip off that bandaid, because it cannot stay on forever, you eventually have to feel that sting.
"And, much like raising our children… we have to let them go. It's not easy. It's terrifying and painful to watch them venture off. But, we hope that we have given the time, support and love so that the pain is brief and the reward is great," added the mum-of-one.
And while we adore that they have grown, we will be heartbroken they have flown the nest to pastures new, but knowing we have given them the support they needed will help us to heal, still hoping they'll never venture too far.
"Because, we are the ones who kissed their banged knees and scraped elbows. We are the ones who celebrate alongside every cherished moment. We are the ones who cry with them when hearts are broken."
"We are the ones who do our best to heal their aching wounds. We are the ones who encourage and teach. We are their bandaid; always and forever."
We don't know about you, but we're hugging our kids a little tighter tonight… beautiful.