My son is 2. Slightly closer to 2 and a half, but I prefer to round down. I read that somewhere, that when savoring the time, round down your child's age. I liked that. Why rush?
Sometimes I forget he is just 2 because oh my goodness, how is he 2? I've felt lucky I didn't have to explain the virus to him. I didn't have to explain quarantines and shut downs, economic rock bottom, sickness, or death. I've really appreciated that the only explanation he needed for not going to a different house in the morning is that Mama and Daddy don't have to work and we all get a break at home. I've been grateful that nothing much has changed for him. But I was wrong. Today as we sat in front of my computer and watched a Facebook Live performance of his music teacher, singing the songs we all sang in class just a few weeks ago, I watched his face. First was excitement to see Ms. T. on the screen, and to hear the familiar hello song we've heard in class since he was 6 months old. Then his smile faded. He wasn't unhappy, but he was very focused. He watched and listened. He watched when he should have felt. He listened when he should have sang. He sat when he should have danced. I love so much that we had this opportunity to try to feel some normalcy, but this was, for me, when it sank in that even at 2, he sees that things are far from normal. Tears filled my eyes and my chest felt tight. It stung for that bubble to break. I mean, hes only 2. How can he handle this weight? Maybe, just for now, it's best to round up.
4 Comments
Natasha
3/26/2020 07:29:48 pm
That change from "just two" to "only two", and rounding down to rounding up is so powerful. This post is so beautifully written.
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3/26/2020 08:03:54 pm
He may notice some changes, but right now he is in the world of being with you and your family. That has become his new normal. Hopefully he will continue to just be a free spirited two year old.
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Shelly021
3/26/2020 09:08:30 pm
As long as you make it "normal" he will feel it to be normal too. He will take his cues from you. Enjoy the moment of him being two :-)
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I've noticed this in both my kids. While Nathan is definitely old enough and we've had the conversation, Adam simply understands that we're home. They've both had their days where they are just off. And I know it's the lack of what used to be normal. Home with Mommy is always fun and accepted happily, but they still miss "the rest." Even at 2 that is evident, and somehow, you're right, it's surprising.
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Author5th grade teacher, wife, mama to my 3 magical babies, ally, advocate, doggy foster mom... just stumbling on. Archives
March 2022
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