One of the reasons I wanted to work from home was so that I could be available for all of Tyler’s assorted school activities. Especially field trips. Somehow, the thought of my baby going out into the world without me was a scary thought. So far this year I have attended every school function, including field trips. Today was an exception.
When Tyler came home with a permission slip Tuesday for an outing to the movies, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to go. I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to go. But again, I was afraid of letting him go alone. A part of me realizes that if something’s going to happen to him, it could very well happen when he’s with me but the other part of me wants to protect him as much as I can. I guess I feel if I sense potential danger I can somehow avert it.
Yesterday I decided I was being a worrywart. I decided to let him go, gasp, alone. As I sit typing this, the movie should be over in a short time and they will be heading back to school. I initially figured I would spend the day wondering if he was okay but surprisingly I didn’t. I admit I will be relieved when I pick him up from school. However, it was good for both of us, especially for me. I certainly have had more problems with separation than Tyler has. A part of me is upset about that but then again I don’t want him growing up clingy and afraid. I want him to be independent.
By the same token, I want to be active in his education and I will. Being involved does not mean that I have to attend every single function or that I have to attend field trips out of fear that he won’t come back unharmed. By letting him go out into the world alone (sometimes at least), I am sending a message that I trust him to behave himself when I’m not around. And that the world is not a scary place where bad things are just waiting to happen.
See also:
Offering Guidance to Your Kids Not Criticism