As you guys can imagine, the transition from having one child to having two is not an easy one. You mix that up with the brand new single mom status and it can be a recipe for some disastrous moments. One of the things I am trying to keep top of mind is that although Sofia, my eldest, is fully able to communicate, is potty-trained, and can entertain herself (most times), she is still a mere 4 year old. I am trying to be extra mindful of my expectations of her.
Sofia has had to learn how to exercise patience, and a lot of it, just like me, I guess. This simple, yet not too evident, thought became quite clear to me a couple of months ago when I was losing it, after calling her for what felt like the millionth time and she responded with, “I am doing my best right now, Mami.” It was all too familiar… a popular phrase I used quite frequently when responding to her eager calls.
As we keep learning on how to be a girl squad of three, I am trying to better understand her, be more mindful of her sentiments and offer her lots of affection. Sometimes my physical exhaustion and mental stress get in the way of the type of parent I want to be, but I think recognizing this is the first step in changing it before it becomes a characteristic of our family dynamic. Although, it sounds simple, it speaks volumes. I have noticed that in moments of frustration, if I take a quick breather, change my tone and then offer an affectionate word, a loving physical touch or take the moment to laugh about whatever is going on, it not only feels better for us both, but it reassures her that things are or will be ok.
I read the other day a post that captured motherhood in the most perfect way… Motherhood: the hardest thing I ever loved.” Ain’t that the truth!
