As a parent, I’ve often said “I love you” to my children just as frequently as I’ve encouraged them to hydrate. While I may express my affection verbally, I wonder if a pie chart of my daily conversations would reveal that “Drink some water” might actually take the lead. I’d probably need a refreshing glass of water just to process those statistics.
As an introverted mom of twin teenage boys, I find myself often relying on water as a source of comfort. Staying hydrated helps me maintain my well-being, especially in a world filled with uncertainties. Water is something I can control when so much about parenting feels beyond my grasp.
Water serves multiple purposes in our home. When my sons share something surprising, I take a moment to sip my water and gather my thoughts. When the atmosphere gets too tense, a shower helps cleanse the energy. For moments of reflection, I take beach walks, letting the waves guide my thoughts while I breathe in the salty air.
There are times when I just want to nurture my family, but if my husband isn’t around and my teens are shut behind their doors, I tend to the plants, whispering sweet words of encouragement to them. Water revitalizes me; it connects me to the earth and grounds me in the present, pulling me out of my often-overactive mind.
Growing up in the semi-arid plains of Kansas, water has always been my sanctuary. I cherished lying in the grass, daydreaming and gazing at the sky, imagining it as an endless ocean. Learning that the plains were once an inland sea made me feel even more connected to the water beneath me, as if I could almost hear it whispering.
In a chaotic world, water is elemental. It comprises a large part of our bodies, making it a crucial resource. I’ve come to associate it with solutions for my sons’ various challenges: Are they tired? Have they had enough water? Feeling anxious? A simple glass of water can do wonders. I believe water can remedy their skin issues, digestive troubles, insomnia, and even their focus. “Don’t forget to hydrate before your permit test,” I remind one of my sons. “It’ll help your brain work better.”
I always keep water on hand, and I make sure my sons take their own bottles whenever they leave the house. While I can’t guarantee their social success or safety while driving, I can at least ensure they stay hydrated.
As they’ve matured, my sons have begun to roll their eyes at my constant reminders about drinking water, realizing that my responses to their worries will often lead back to hydration. This raises the question: why do I feel the need to address everything with a glass of water?
The reality of parenting is complex and ever-changing. I can’t predict the future for my sons or guarantee anything beyond my commitment to support them. When I suggest they drink water, I’m often conveying, “I’m not sure how to help you right now. I’m navigating my own complicated feelings, and whatever you’re going through may not be as big as it seems. But here’s some water, and remember, I love you.”
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In summary, the simple act of encouraging my sons to drink water reflects my love and care. It’s a reminder that amidst the chaos of parenting, small gestures can carry profound meaning.