My (mothering) work

My work is to attend to your needs immediately after I/you wake up in the morning. To breastfeed you by 6:30 a.m., breakfast by 7:30 a.m. and we’re off running.

My work is to schedule doctor’s appointments and vaccines. To make sure we have diapers and wipes and clothes and shoes that fit. 

To make sure you’re wearing sunscreen and have a hat. To make sure you have enough layers so you won’t be cold at night.

My work is to process laundry. To make and clean up meals. To sit and talk with you when you eat, even though we did this two hours ago.

My work is to learn about different parenting philosophies and implement what works for us. 

My work is to pack your lunch for daycare days. To drop you off. To give you a kiss and tell you “I’ll always come back for you” as you cry in your teacher’s arms. 

My work is to know that in less than five minutes you will be OK, even though seeing your face scrunch up to release tears sometimes makes me cry.

My work is to expose you to different environments. To let you explore and climb and tumble and get scraped knees. To hug you after you fall. 

To make sure you don’t swallow the rock you are licking. 

To decide if we need to take you to urgent care or wait and see what happens.

To go to swim lessons 30 minutes early so you can adjust to the loud environment.

To soothe you at 1 a.m. so you don’t wake up the entire campground.

My work is to kindle laughter and joy. To dance with you. To play. To read books. To color. 

To step back and let you play on your own. To give you space to become you.

My work is to show you I know you are good inside and to treat you that way.

My work is to notice when you’re having a clingy day and give you extra cuddles. 

My work is to advocate for your needs, even if they are inconvenient for the adults in your life. 

My work is to raise you to believe in the goodness of humanity, even if I find it hard to believe sometimes.

To lead by example even though I’m still figuring it out. 

To take action so you can live in a better world.

To raise you to become a compassionate, kind, strong person. To love yourself. To value all.

My work is to set firm, consistent boundaries and express them in a loving and warm way. To hold space for all of your feelings.

My work is exhausting and energizing. 

My work is to love you.