My darling child,
You are one person, yet you’re so much more than that. You change and grow every single day, so what works now will not work tomorrow. The best I can do now is to write a letter. A letter not just to your present self, but to all the different personalities that exist within you.
Dear Joyful child: I love your laughter and the way you brighten up any room. Your zest for life attracts so many people. I’ll cheer you on every step of the way, but I promise to be there when you don’t feel like smiling.
Dear Anxious child: this world can be scary sometimes, right? A hundred demands on you and that’s before you even leave for school. Can I help declutter the chaos? We’ll do things at your pace and when you’re well and ready.I promise to give you some control, when possible. Because your choices and comfort matter too.
Dear Chatty child: Aren’t you such a bright spark? You have questions and answers and brilliant ideas. I will free up time every chance I get, because nothing is more important than being your audience. You are extraordinary and I can’t wait to hear what you have to say.
Dear Quiet child: I will be your voice when you’re too scared to speak. I’ll fight for your right to be heard and respected. But when silence is your choice, I’ll remember to honor that.
Dear Brave child: you’re the first in the swimming pool and the one who loves a challenge. I will always encourage you to do as much as you want, but I won’t expect you to excel every second of the day. You’re a kid first, and I won’t let anything rob your of your childhood.
Dear sensitive child: I promise to let you cry when you want. Your emotions are valid and important and I won’t brush them away because I’m scared to handle them. I’m here with tissues and a warm hug. But I’m here because I’m your safe space.
Dear Angry child: oh, I love you extra special. You are so in tune with your emotions and I appreciate how expressive you are. You scream and sulk and cry and rage. Thank you for being so honest. I will look past your words and understand your heart. And maybe, I can help you find what you’re really looking for.
Dear Different child: You are unique and don’t I know it? You dance to the beat of your own tune, and fight invisible battles with a winning smile. I’m in awe of your resilience and I vow to accept you in all your entirety. You’re a million rays of sunshine and I won’t rest until the world sees that too.
Dear Average child: Underrated and overlooked, you don’t stand out in a crowd. And that’s ok. You have value simply by being there. When the rest of the world is celebrating superstars, you go about modestly, creating little pockets of perfection and knowing more about contentment that so many ever will. I promise to give you every chance at success, because you might be average, but there’s nothing ordinary about you.
Dear Dreamy child: On rainy days, you paint rainbows and on sunny days you weave magic. You’re not weighed down like the rest of us, and what I wouldn’t give to live in the clouds like you! I vow to value your dreams and listen with my heart. My goodness, can’t you see? You are hope in human form.
I could go on and on, dearest baby of mine, because there are so many hats you wear. But if you ever worry whether you’re enough, know this.
You may be one person.
But to me darling child, you’re the entire world.
Happy Children’s Day!
Love,
Mom.
