When my older children misbehave, it’s often their 5-year-old brother who ends up in tears. Not because he’s in trouble, but because he feels the weight of his siblings’ actions. During our family walks, if anyone wanders off, he frets until they’re safely back with us. He even asks for extra coins to leave at gumball machines, just in case another child needs a treat.
He’s always the first to say sorry, the first to empathize, and the first to lend a helping hand. Right now, his joy comes from making others smile. It’s one of his most beautiful qualities, and as I think about his future, I’m filled with hope for the good he might bring to the world. We desperately need more compassionate people.
Yet, I can’t help but feel anxious about him. The world can be harsh on those who are sensitive. Living with an open heart can be both a gift and a burden. As his mother, I experience a mix of pride and fear for my son. His sensitivity could either empower him or leave him vulnerable. I wish to nurture his kindness while shielding him from the harshness that could extinguish it. It reminds me of a quote from one of my favorite novels, where the author describes a moment of “equal parts anxiety and awe,” much like discovering a precious seam of gold. I see that gold in his gentle heart, and I feel the responsibility to protect it until it can truly shine.
I want him to grow into a loving, warmhearted man, but society often views sensitivity in men as a weakness, which is utterly absurd. As he grows, I know he’ll become an easy target for those who don’t understand his nature. How can I ensure that he maintains his sensitivity without letting it lead him into harm’s way? It feels like a daunting task, a mission I’ve been assigned without a clear guide on how to succeed.
I want him to ignore the voices that tell him to toughen up or be less himself. I hope he learns that staying true to who he is will cultivate a deep inner strength. I want him to see that what may sometimes feel like a burden can actually be his greatest asset, as long as he never allows anyone or anything to change how he perceives it.
But how do I impart this wisdom when I sometimes struggle with it myself? All I can do is nurture and encourage his compassionate spirit, hoping it becomes resilient enough to weather the challenges he will face. I’ll be there to support him when life throws its punches, but I pray those moments are few and far between.
Of course, I’ll worry—just as mothers have done throughout history. No matter how old he grows or how much the world weighs on him, I will always see my sweet, gentle boy, stacking coins for others to share in his good fortune.
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In summary, raising a sensitive child in a harsh world is a journey filled with both joy and anxiety. It’s a delicate balance of nurturing his compassion while equipping him with the strength to face life’s challenges.