What to say on this Mother's Day? I find myself scrambling for something a bit profound, yet light. Moving, but not too staggering. Sensitive, without being trite. And then it hit me, isn't that what we as "moms" do all the time? Try to find just the right balance?
Loving without spoiling. Working without letting it consume us. Setting boundaries while indulging in hugs. Dispensing wisdom and then watching "Sponge Bob." As moms, we are constantly challenged, walking the tightrope of what is "too much" versus "too little." Too much attention to safety, makes us "helicopter" moms, and yet having our kids drink soda can make us "lazy moms." Supporting our kids in sports can make us "pushy moms" while letting our kids back out of an activity they don't like can make us "pushover moms."
Yes, walking this tightrope can become very trying...but there is a way to jump off. Decide that the balance is not between you and how the world views you as a parent. The balance is how you view yourself and your child. Trust in knowing your child's heart and mind and let them know yours. Create safety but not suffocation, expectations more than dictates and praise sprinkled with humility. This is a nice start to a very fine balance, indeed.
