When Mr Busy was just a teeny little thing - which is a relative term because all my children were very long,and then tall - he used to spend a lot of time snuggled up on my lap. When he was around 7 or 8 years old I lamented that one day he wouldn't fit on my lap. His immediate response was "Don't worry, Mum. When I don't fit anymore you can sit on my lap". So, so sweet.
Fast forward a few years and this last baby of mine is at least four inches taller than me and he really no longer fits on my lap. He refuses to even give his offer a go (and that's just fine with me. That would be super weird and he might get crushed).
We now have a more pressing challenge to work out. How do you hug a tall boy? He's taken to draping himself over my shoulders, which is somewhat like being overwhelmed by an oversized puppy dog. I am completely enveloped by this 'thing' that just comes at me from above. He used to be able to put his head on my chest. And then my shoulder. And then he was even with my head. This being at some lofty height above me isn't working for him anymore. Or me.
I think we're going to have to swap to me putting my head on his shoulder. Before it shoots up into the stratosphere. And that feels weird too, because he is still the boy who likes to hug his Mum. Having my head on his shoulder is a shift I'm not sure if I'm ready to embrace. It means another step towards Mr Busy being all grown up (not just his body!).
I don't think I'll ever be found on his knee - although a generous offer - but we'll have to experiment with hugs. Because this boy would shrivel up and cease to thrive without them.
2 comments:
Hugs from the side work well for me and my "taller than Mom" boy. But it sounds like Mr. Busy is more of snuggler than my son is.
My grandma would advise you, "Just keep loving them. It doesn't matter how you do it. Just love them and they'll know it and it will all work out fine." She was wise.
Thanks Susan. Your grandma was very wise indeed!
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