There have been so many times I wished that Ishu was wearing a shirt that – in big, bold letters – stated, “DON’T WORRY, MY MOM IS WATCHING.”

Sometimes when we’re at the park, I’m sitting on the bench, wanting to give him space and freedom to explore. I know what his little body can and cannot do, so I only intervene when I know he’s about to take on something that’s a little tougher for him (e.g. climbing rocks on the side of the slide).

I’ll also intervene if he’s got fists full of sand. Because his new favorite hobby is throwing sand in the air or at people.

So I’ll inch closer when I see him take a scoop of sand.

But, other than that, I sit back.

But I’m watching.

I think there are certain people who feel like if someone isn’t trailing behind their toddler, they’re being neglectful.

But it’s not true. I’m there and watching his every move. I just like watching him be confident and explore without me tailing him.

Over the weekend, while we were at the museum, we were in the “Zoom Room.” There are multiple race tracks and hundreds of toy cars all around the room and kids can pick up cars and test out the loops and dips. There’s a section where you have to climb the stairs to get to a more elevated track. And Ishu was climbing up the steps and, as usual, I stayed back. Because steps are something he can do. 

But he slipped on a step. And fell. 

Mind you, he would have slipped even if I was right behind him. I couldn’t have prevented the slip. KIDS FALL DOWN AND IT’S OKAY.

He didn’t hurt himself, but he definitely got scared. So I walked toward him to comfort him. 

But I felt the silent judgment of some adults there.

This is why a onesie with the words, “DON’T WORRY, MY MOM IS WATCHING” would be helpful. So, every time he slips or trips or does NORMAL kid things, I don’t feel like adults are rushing to any conclusions. 

I’m watching my kid.

But sometimes kids fall. 

Whether I’m five feet away or five inches away.

Maybe I just need to be OK with other people thinking whatever they want and not being fazed by it. That’s the ultimate goal. Obviously.

But, in the meantime, a onesie would be nice. 🙂