If we never received a certain expression of love growing up, it can be hard to express that as an adult. We may not find value in it nor we may see it as unfamiliar and not something we want to do
Growing up, I never had “one-on-one” time with my parents. It was always my brother and I together with my parents, and that togetherness created a bond I treasure.
As a mother, I had my first “one-on-one” experience (since having all three) with one of my kids today. I was very hesitant to do so. It felt very uncomfortable and so many parts of me wanted to bail. I only really went through with it because a friend accompanied me with their child.
And it was really wonderful. My kid was so happy throughout the day (minus an incident concerning cotton candy), and they went to bed content.
Today is another reminder to me that it is safe and worthwhile to create experiences that are different than the ones I lived through as a child. I can expand beyond how I was parented.
