“This kid right here hasn’t had the best start to the school year.
We’re only in week 2, and I’ve already had meetings with his teacher and the principal. He’s made some mistakes, and then faced things that no 8-year-old boy should have to deal with.
For the last 3 days, I’ve been sitting outside the school at 3:00, nervously waiting to see him walk out the door.
I just want to see his face, so I can tell how his day went.
When we got home yesterday, I asked my usual questions…
‘What happened today?’
‘Did anyone say anything mean?’
‘Did you say anything mean?’
‘Did anyone play with you today?’
‘How are you feeling? Are you okay?’
And at one point yesterday, I saw a look on his face that said, ‘I need you to stop.’
So, I did.
Then I realized that sometimes our kids need the same things we do: they need space, 20 minutes of quiet, and their favorite snacks next to a warm bath.
I think sometimes, these are the things that show our love for them louder than anything we say.
He was calm for the rest of the night. And this morning, when I dropped him off at school, I looked him in the eye and said, ‘You got this.’
He said, ‘Yeah… but if I don’t, will you give me another bath tonight?’
And I said, ‘Always.'”
Credit: Justifying Jane