The Parental Paradox

My previous post was about my daughter’s second birthday. In these past two awesome years I have learned something that only a parent can understand. My Mom would always tell me “You’ll see [or know better] when you become a parent.” She also told me to “have fish” instead of kids. Well, truth is, she’s right on both.

As parents we:
Can’t stand to leave them, but sometimes we have to get away.
Can’t wait to see how they’ll be older, but never want them to grow up.
Want them to speak but also want them to shut up.
Want to see them walk on their own but we always want to hold their hand.
Give them an inch but regret giving them that extra foot.
Want them to sleep as much as possible but worry that they’re sleeping in too long.
Wish they could help themselves but never want them to not need you.
Take delight in seeing them have a favorite kids’ show but hate when the theme song gets stuck in your head everyday.
Like that they love to play with their toys but where did your living room go?
Love watching them eat new foods but miss being able to dine out alone.
Wonder what we’d do without them yet sometimes miss our freedom.