“What’s your favorite thing about being a mom?”

A question that a boy from hinge asked me today, of all people… I’m not sure if anyone has ever asked me this question before. So, I sat and I thought about it. Being a mom of a 7- and 8-year-old, I feel like there could be so many “Favorite” things. The way they look at you when they are proud of themselves. How excited they get when they see their favorite people. When I think about my favorite things about being a mom it always comes back to them, the kids. How they feel, how they act, who they are. Then I began to realize that being their safe place, so they can continue to grow and feel and act how they feel the most comfortable has to be my favorite thing about being a mom. Being the place and the person that encourages them to be themselves, talk about their feelings, express their feelings… that has to be my favorite thing about being a mom, watching them grow. Watching them accomplish things and be proud of themselves. Watching them learn. I am the only person that gets to experience their best and worst moments with them. People say it all the time, how kids are “the worst” for their moms… but we all know it’s because that’s where they feel safe enough to feel their emotions, to express their emotions. Sometimes it’s not always pretty, sometimes it is not fun. It’s attitudes, and melt downs… somedays. But, then there are those moments… the ones that make it worth it. The smiles, the giggles, the random grab of your hand when you’re least expecting it- because who knew, your 8 year old thankfully hasn’t outgrown wanting to hold moms hand. It’s taking your 7 year old shopping and watching her face light up when she falls in love with a 8 dollar dress. Its all of the little things. It is being their safe place, always and no matter what.