Life is messy. And it isn't always puppies and rainbows and unicorn dust. My kiddos will learn that soon enough, if they haven't already.
I believe in tough love. I think there is a time and place for it. I strive to always be honest with my kids, and not sugarcoat things, even while I work to protect their innocence.
That said....
I want to take every opportunity, now when they are 4 and in years to come when they are 44, to tell them:
I'm proud of you.
You'll figure this out.
You are stronger/smarter/steadier than you think/feel.
I support you.
I will help you figure it out.
I noticed.
I'm not judging, I'm listening.
You can do this. You CAN.
I'm here for whatever you need.
I love you. NO MATTER WHAT.
I NEVER want my littles to doubt how much joy I receive from being their momma. When it's perfect. When it's not. And every moment in between.
If being their mother is the only job I ever have, I want to do this one thing well. My love language is words of affirmation, and while I know that theirs may not be, I know my words will burrow deep into the fiber of their hearts.
So, I strive. Each day. To use my words for good. To speak love to and over them. I want to seize every opportunity I have to let them know I believe in them, and that I'm their biggest fan. Now. Always.
