“Everyone is having a big playdate today, and they’re bringing their Nerf guns!” my son exclaimed the other day, brimming with excitement. I felt a twinge of concern; I knew disappointment was lurking.
“Are you upset that you didn’t get invited?” I cautiously asked.
“Nah, I’m fine,” he replied, launching into an enthusiastic description of their planned activities. It struck me that he was genuinely happy for his friends—no jealousy, no sadness, just pure joy. For the millionth time in his 10 years, I marveled at his perspective.
Raising a child with an old soul is a humbling journey. I remember a poignant moment when he was just two years old. As I tried to mask my own sadness during lunch, he studied me intently. Finally, he reached out and touched my cheek with his tiny hand, gazing into my eyes with an understanding that left me breathless. It felt as if he was seeing right through me, despite his tender age.
He exudes an incredible sense of calm. This morning, after a chaotic last-minute scramble for homework, socks, snow boots, and snacks—complete with parental stress—I watched him skip down the driveway to the school bus. “Why is he always so cheerful?” I asked my husband, frantically trying to tame my frizzy hair.
“He just is,” my husband replied, and he was right. My son may be a bit forgetful and disorganized, but happiness radiates from him.
He displays more patience with his little sister than I often do, translating her babbling even when I can’t grasp her meaning. They share a connection that amazes me. When she scrapes her knee, she runs to him for comfort instead of coming inside to find me. He wraps her in his arms and gently pats her hair, seamlessly returning to their imaginative world of conquering trolls. Just yesterday, he told her, “I had a great time being wizards with you today. You’re really fun to hang out with.” It fills my heart with joy, knowing that she will expect kindness from others, thanks to him.
Emotions flow freely in our home. Navigating a sometimes harsh world is part of growing up, and he still reflects on our discussions about animal shelters from two years ago.
Of course, he can be a handful at times—he’s still just a kid. He often gets lost in his thoughts, struggles to follow simple instructions like putting his clothes away, and can be the most bossy big brother around. He definitely rolls his eyes at me when I ask him to tidy up!
Yet, he has this unique ability to make me contemplate life, love, and the essence of our existence. He serves as my calm during storms, humming softly while trying to learn finger-weaving.
Still, I worry about his old soul. I fear that his heart may be easily broken because he loves deeply. I’m concerned that our fast-paced modern world could dull the vibrancy of his spirit, so I often encourage him to step away from the screen and connect with nature. I worry that his sensitivity might overwhelm him in a world that can be daunting.
Raising an old soul offers endless surprises. I recall a touching moment when he was three, saying he searched for a mom with just the right voice before he was born, and he was so happy to find me. I feel the same way, my dear.
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Summary
Raising a child with an old soul is a unique and rewarding experience filled with challenges and profound moments of connection. Their ability to empathize and understand emotions can be both a gift and a worry for parents. Balancing their sensitivity with the realities of a fast-paced world is essential for nurturing their unique spirit.