spread your wings

My 7 and 5 year old boys, just began school after an unprecedented year following covid and the pandemic.  Days before starting, they were in tears at times, anxious and worried saying, "I just want to be at home with mommy and daddy and play with my toys." 

Change and transition is hard for all of us, especially after such a challenging year coupled with the uncertainties that lay ahead.  But one thing that I've noticed in my boys is what I can remind myself of during hard times, resilience.

It's amazing that my boys are learning to express their feelings whether good or bad, that they can still choose to take one step ahead although there is fear.  They do go through their tantrums and over-exaggerations, but like all of us, they're simply trying to manage and cope with their stressors and worries.  As I try my best to support them and remind them that mommy and daddy are there for them, I think they're reminded that they're not alone.  And it is that added strength that moves them to gravitate towards the uncertainties of who the other kids will be in their class, or what they'll eat for lunch, or if their teacher will be nice.  And soon, after a few days of adjusting to change and testing the waters, they're doing it, they are building resilience.  

Seeing my boys encourages me to see the challenges that confront me each day as an opportunity to build resilience.  They remind me to be vulnerable to admit my struggles and express how I'm feeling.  They remind me to seek out support when needed.  Most of all, they remind me to simply take things one day at a time.