My mom is my best friend now, and I know she had all these hopes hidden in her heart for so many years before. Such a beautiful thing you have with your daughter, Rachel. (And I'm with you - already looking forward to reading Big Books with my boys, currently staching away certain series and promising summertime reads under park trees!)
I'm finishing the final book in Andrew Peterson's Wingfeather Saga right now. Definitely planning to read those to the boys in a few years! And then some classics: The Chronicles of Narnia and The Hobbit. 😃
Oh Rachel, this is the sweetest post. How wonderful to put down these thoughts for yourself and Hilde, and us. I help care for my 4 year old granddaughter. I tell her she is my "best girl". Already the days are flying by as she begins kindergarten in the fall. Treasure the moments. The days are long but the years are short. Much gratitude to you and Evan for your encouraging writings.
I hear this taught a lot- that the role of parent, when the child is small, isn’t friend but teacher. I think it’s an oversimplification. Being a friend to your child doesn’t mean doing whatever makes them like you. And I think that’s the ditch the teacher I’ve heard is trying to warn parents about. The friendship we model with our children in being with them and for them is foundational to healthy relationships, I think. But there are times when being their friend feels like being their enemy. I’m always convicted of laying a burden of my longing for my children’s friendship on them. I don’t try to, but I know they’ve voiced to me as adults that I have. Much grace is needed! The times together are a treasure, even when exhausting.
I love these letters, Rachel. Hilde is a very lucky girl!
That feeling of being the only people in the world when you're with her. I know the feeling! It's so special and simple, even though it can also feel isolating on the hard days. We're entering a season of longer read-alouds and it really is the best! I look forward to the Anne of Green Gables days that are sure to come.
These letters are lovely and her name is perfection - my oldest is six now, and the read-alouds are restorative and full of delight and do just keep getting better. Friendship is the right word ❤.
My mom is my best friend now, and I know she had all these hopes hidden in her heart for so many years before. Such a beautiful thing you have with your daughter, Rachel. (And I'm with you - already looking forward to reading Big Books with my boys, currently staching away certain series and promising summertime reads under park trees!)
Love this! What are some books you are specifically looking forward to introducing them to?
I'm finishing the final book in Andrew Peterson's Wingfeather Saga right now. Definitely planning to read those to the boys in a few years! And then some classics: The Chronicles of Narnia and The Hobbit. 😃
Oh Rachel, this is the sweetest post. How wonderful to put down these thoughts for yourself and Hilde, and us. I help care for my 4 year old granddaughter. I tell her she is my "best girl". Already the days are flying by as she begins kindergarten in the fall. Treasure the moments. The days are long but the years are short. Much gratitude to you and Evan for your encouraging writings.
I hear this taught a lot- that the role of parent, when the child is small, isn’t friend but teacher. I think it’s an oversimplification. Being a friend to your child doesn’t mean doing whatever makes them like you. And I think that’s the ditch the teacher I’ve heard is trying to warn parents about. The friendship we model with our children in being with them and for them is foundational to healthy relationships, I think. But there are times when being their friend feels like being their enemy. I’m always convicted of laying a burden of my longing for my children’s friendship on them. I don’t try to, but I know they’ve voiced to me as adults that I have. Much grace is needed! The times together are a treasure, even when exhausting.
I love these letters, Rachel. Hilde is a very lucky girl!
That feeling of being the only people in the world when you're with her. I know the feeling! It's so special and simple, even though it can also feel isolating on the hard days. We're entering a season of longer read-alouds and it really is the best! I look forward to the Anne of Green Gables days that are sure to come.
These letters are lovely and her name is perfection - my oldest is six now, and the read-alouds are restorative and full of delight and do just keep getting better. Friendship is the right word ❤.
My bookish older daughter still can't get into the Anne books, and it makes me SO sad. But she does love to read, so there's that. :)