Being Their Safe Place

Our kids feel big things.

They are tiny humans who haven't been here that long. Their brains aren't fully developed, and each day brings more knowledge and learning as they grow.

Sometimes, after a long week or weekend, when their schedule has no schedule and they don't get as much sleep as their tiny bodies need, and they play hard and experience big emotions even harder, they don't need us to bring down the hammer.

They need us to wrap them in our arms, give them their favorite bunny, and let them fall asleep in the peace and comfort of being near Mama.

They need us to slow down.

They need us to give them grace.

They need us to not expect them to act like adults, because they aren't adults.

They need love and understanding and kisses and hugs and snuggles.

They need us to remember what it was like to be a kid- a kid whose life was dictated by someone else, a kid who didn't understand all the feelings and emotions flooding through their mind and body. A kid who only knew one absolute- that you are their Mom and you are their safety.

Because sometimes as an adult, I need to crawl into the arms of Jesus and find peace and comfort there.

I need to take a breather. A time of rest. A time of reading his Word and basking in his promises. A time to rest, knowing that He's got this, that he is in control, that he is my safety in a time of chaos. He is my peace.

If I need this at times, why wouldn't my small children?

There is a time for correction, but there is also a time to allow your kids to be imperfect. To be needy. To be dependent on you. To snuggle them and let them know that it's ok. You are there for them. You've got them.

When Hannah told me yesterday, after a very trying morning- "I need you! I just want to snuggle with you!" I listened. I warmed up her bunny, tucked in her close to me, and let her know that I understood.

And since her body knew that she desperately needed sleep after a long week, she almost instantly fell asleep- calmly nestled in my arms.

I hope I will always be her safe place.