Letting My Baby Grow Up

This morning my little girl is getting on a school bus and going to the pumpkin patch on a class trip. I feel like crying.

I wanted to go with her. The school said, no parent volunteers.

I wanted to keep her home. My husband said, let her go!

I'm not sure I'm ready for my kiddo to grow up. To have experiences—without me!

I think I want her to stay my baby just a little big longer.

But this is all part of the parenting journey (or so they say).

First it's a class trip. Then day camp in the summer and JK in the fall. Before I know it she'll be going over to her friends' houses without me, and walking to school by herself. Inevitably, she'll grow up, weather I'm ready for her to, or not.

It's all just a bit hard to swallow.

How do you let your kid grow up without getting in her way? How do you hide your apprehension so she can go out into the world and be brave, and confident, and full of wonder—without mommy holding her back?

I'm reminded of an interview I did last year with Dr. Michael Thompson, a psychologist and best-selling author of Homesick and Happy: How Time Away From Parents Can Help A Child Grow. Back then we were talking about overnight camp, but I think his advice is exactly what I need today.

He said:

"Modern parents think their presence always adds value to their kids lives," he tells me. "But, this is not the case. You can not give your child independence. You can only open the door and let your child walk out and have an experience on his or her own." - See more at: http://www.yummymummyclub.ca/blogs/our-happy-place/the-importance-of-sending-your-child-to-camp#sthash.MQ5JkNZr.dpuf

"Modern parents think their presence always adds value to their kids lives...But, this is not the case. You can not give your child independence. You can only open the door and let your child walk out and have an experience on his or her own."

Homesick and Happy: How Time Away From Parents Can Help a Child Grow - See more at: http://www.yummymummyclub.ca/blogs/our-happy-place/the-importance-of-sending-your-child-to-camp#sthash.MQ5JkNZr.dpuf

So here I go. I'm opening the door.

I'm not getting in my car and following that big yellow school bus all the way to the pumpkin patch (though, trust me, I've thought about it). I'm not insisting that I be allowed to accompany my child on this trip.

I'm letting her go. I'm letting her grow.

I'm letting her spread her little wings.