As infants, our little ones rely on us for every aspect of their care—even helping with something as simple as burping. One of our main goals as parents is to guide these growing children toward independence, allowing them to lean on us less and less. In a previous post, I discussed the bittersweet journey of letting go as our kids mature, often realizing their readiness for new challenges before we do. It often manifests in a simple yet profound message: “Hey Mom or Dad, I’ve got this.”
Consider the moment when you hesitate to offer your child finger foods. Then, as she enjoys her first Cheerio, she looks up with a sparkle in her eye and confidently asserts, “No problem. I’ve got this, Mom.”
Your toddler might let go of your hand and take those initial steps, beaming with a proud, “I’ve got this, Mom,” even if he tumbles right after. At preschool, he’ll venture into the classroom, glancing back with a hint of determination, as both your hearts swell with pride and a few tears.
You may release the back of your daughter’s bike as she rides without training wheels for the first time, and she shouts gleefully, “I’ve got this, Mom!” When your son stands at the edge of the diving board and takes a leap, emerging from the water with a triumphant grin, “I’ve got this, Mom!”
Each milestone, from boarding the school bus for Kindergarten to joining a sports team, is marked by that familiar declaration. At times, they even face challenges like a broken bone, and through the tears, they reassure you, “I’ve got this, Mom.”
As you drop your child off for her first sleepover, she wraps you in a happy hug and bids you goodbye with an enthusiastic, “I’ve got this, Mom!” Even during moments of uncertainty—like when you can’t accompany your son into the hockey locker room—he assures you, “I’ve got this, Mom.”
Visiting your child at summer camp may bring tears, but they’ll affirm, “I’m good. I’ve got this, Mom.” As they graduate from elementary school, you may be wiping away tears, but their proud smile from the stage conveys, “I’ve got this, Mom.”
And as they approach middle school, you may feel anxious, yet your child stands firm and says, “I’ve got this, Mom.” When handing over a cell phone, you’ll discuss the responsibilities that come with it; they’ll respond with excitement, “I’ve got this, Mom.”
Finally, there will be that moment when you drop them and their friends at the mall for the first time. As they roll their eyes at your reminders to check in, they chime, “I’ll be fine, Mom. I’ve got this.”
These milestones are a rite of passage filled with “I’ve got this, Mom” moments. We know that as they seek more freedom, it’s often time to loosen the reins. Of course, there will be instances where they aren’t quite ready, and we’ll have to take a step back and reassess their readiness.
Reflecting on these experiences reminds me of my daughter’s high school orientation. As we sat together, taking a collective deep breath in the car, I looked at her—now almost my height, poised for this new chapter. I leaned over and said with a smile, “Hey, you’ve got this.”
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In summary, the journey toward independence is filled with moments of triumph and growth. As parents, it’s essential to recognize when our children are ready to take on new challenges, allowing us to support them while also giving them the freedom they crave.