You tell a powerful story, Brittany. I keep thinking of how modern culture's pattern of severance from the body remains the same through any organically occurring element of life, including the arts, birth, health, parent-child interactions, education, and elder care. The assembly-line treatment of the body and the psyche persists across all lines. I appreciate you naming that stepping out of this way of being (or rather, un-being) requires the adults to bear the uncomfortable responsibility of taking up space while potentially being perceived as an unwanted inconvenience, a break in the patterns of absence we have come collectively to deem appropriate.
This is so beautifully summarized Jan. The severance from the body and the connection to pregnancy and birth were not lost on me the whole time I was writing. I thought about weaving it in but figured I'd lose the storyline. THANK YOU for "getting it". <3
It truly never ceases to amaze, or frustrate me, how many adults in this world, completely oblivious to child development or just straight up lack the emotional intelligence and empathy required to direct, lead, or educate children properly.. are left in charge of our children. Thank you for sharing and continuing to raise awareness.
Such great observations, this resonated so deeply for me as a mum who home educates. This takes me back to when my kids were little, always the one to stay and not leave them but being made to feel like I was wrong, incapable or harming them. A dancing teacher actually told me I was damaging my daughter for not letting her be in the show. I had the same from a preschool teacher when I wouldn't let my 4 year old go on a school trip to a zoo all day, even though she only did 2 half days at preschool and was recovering from an operation. So many hard times getting to the point where I listened and trusted myself against everyone elses opinions and ways. As someone totally disassociated myself this is something I'm most proud of and led to my own healing. My only regret is not doing it sooner, but I believe I am reaping the rewards now as they enter teenage years. Thankyou for sharing, how I wish your writing had been around when mine were small so I didn't feel so alone and weird!
I feel you on this. I’m home educating now too, but last year when my little one was only 3.5 I was pushed into sending him to nature kindy. He screamed about being left and pleaded with my to stay. Everyone around me told me it was normal and I was the one who needed to let go and he was ‘fine’ when I left. I was told over and over that it was ‘good’ for him and I was being damaging him if I took him home.
It took my almost a year, but finally I listened to myself, pulled him out, and what a difference it has made.
I’ll never again let the world convince me of what is ‘normal’ for these little ones.
Thank you for sharing this experience. My heart breaks as I read it and I’m holding hope for a more compassionate, connected and tender path forward for our children.
Lately in prayer and througout the day Ive been more and more convicted to have compassion on my children. They are 3 and 1.5. this piece just fits perfectly. We aren’t doing any avtivities that aren’t “mommy and me” until they are ready, which for my older daughter, who is also very sensitive, might be nearly 5. There is no hurry
Same! My 2.5 year old stays home with me full time and we only do mommy and me activities. I have no idea when I’ll send him out on his own but it also might be age 5. He still needs me. Grateful to hear from other nurturing mothers like yourself who are on a similar path.
It's quite perplexing to have things like responding to your kid's needs and providing a foundation of safety and security be scrutinized so heavily by a sick society, eh?
Beautiful. Yes. And it’s the sensitive souls who have the most to offer our broken world if we can tune in to who they are and what they bring to the table.
Second article of yours that's made me blub. I recognise that "scanning of the environment" as something that went into a hardcore overdrive some time before I turned five. It continued to run until this year, where something in me finally relaxed enough for it to let go. I am thirty six. Thank you 💜
Ahh this makes me emotional. Incredible description of something that happens all the time, unfortunately. My heart breaks for the little people who have to struggle with these experiences. I have hope things will change, we will heal and be able to soothe our babies’ bodies, hearts and minds without clipboard ladies! For now, we rebel and we provide nurture and support no matter the cost. Xx
You tell a powerful story, Brittany. I keep thinking of how modern culture's pattern of severance from the body remains the same through any organically occurring element of life, including the arts, birth, health, parent-child interactions, education, and elder care. The assembly-line treatment of the body and the psyche persists across all lines. I appreciate you naming that stepping out of this way of being (or rather, un-being) requires the adults to bear the uncomfortable responsibility of taking up space while potentially being perceived as an unwanted inconvenience, a break in the patterns of absence we have come collectively to deem appropriate.
Or perceived as anxious/overbearing/spoiling parents and/or cringe-ywomen who are “losing ourselves” in motherhood.
This is so beautifully summarized Jan. The severance from the body and the connection to pregnancy and birth were not lost on me the whole time I was writing. I thought about weaving it in but figured I'd lose the storyline. THANK YOU for "getting it". <3
It truly never ceases to amaze, or frustrate me, how many adults in this world, completely oblivious to child development or just straight up lack the emotional intelligence and empathy required to direct, lead, or educate children properly.. are left in charge of our children. Thank you for sharing and continuing to raise awareness.
I feel this daily. Doing what I can -- thanks, Carly <3
Such great observations, this resonated so deeply for me as a mum who home educates. This takes me back to when my kids were little, always the one to stay and not leave them but being made to feel like I was wrong, incapable or harming them. A dancing teacher actually told me I was damaging my daughter for not letting her be in the show. I had the same from a preschool teacher when I wouldn't let my 4 year old go on a school trip to a zoo all day, even though she only did 2 half days at preschool and was recovering from an operation. So many hard times getting to the point where I listened and trusted myself against everyone elses opinions and ways. As someone totally disassociated myself this is something I'm most proud of and led to my own healing. My only regret is not doing it sooner, but I believe I am reaping the rewards now as they enter teenage years. Thankyou for sharing, how I wish your writing had been around when mine were small so I didn't feel so alone and weird!
It's just absolutely shocking how deeply uncomfortable "we" (i.e., the collective we, i.e. society) is with connected mothers. So much gaslighting.
I feel you on this. I’m home educating now too, but last year when my little one was only 3.5 I was pushed into sending him to nature kindy. He screamed about being left and pleaded with my to stay. Everyone around me told me it was normal and I was the one who needed to let go and he was ‘fine’ when I left. I was told over and over that it was ‘good’ for him and I was being damaging him if I took him home.
It took my almost a year, but finally I listened to myself, pulled him out, and what a difference it has made.
I’ll never again let the world convince me of what is ‘normal’ for these little ones.
Thank you for sharing this experience. My heart breaks as I read it and I’m holding hope for a more compassionate, connected and tender path forward for our children.
The hope is alive and well as evidenced by the comments section here (and many other beautiful places on the internet and IRL) <3
Lately in prayer and througout the day Ive been more and more convicted to have compassion on my children. They are 3 and 1.5. this piece just fits perfectly. We aren’t doing any avtivities that aren’t “mommy and me” until they are ready, which for my older daughter, who is also very sensitive, might be nearly 5. There is no hurry
All in due time.
Same! My 2.5 year old stays home with me full time and we only do mommy and me activities. I have no idea when I’ll send him out on his own but it also might be age 5. He still needs me. Grateful to hear from other nurturing mothers like yourself who are on a similar path.
This is my new favorite Christmas story! You should make this into a children's book, Brit! XOXO
Imagine! Thank you, Erin. Such a sweet sentiment.
I can really relate to this as a mum who has done a lot of biologically normal things that are somehow "de-normalised" in our society.
It's quite perplexing to have things like responding to your kid's needs and providing a foundation of safety and security be scrutinized so heavily by a sick society, eh?
Beautiful. Yes. And it’s the sensitive souls who have the most to offer our broken world if we can tune in to who they are and what they bring to the table.
Perfectly said.
What a powerful story! Thank you for sharing it.
“It’s always ok to nurture.” This is beautiful, you shared the truth.
<3 <3 <3
love your writing. the world needs more people to write with such boldness & truth.
Makes my heart happy to hear that my words resonated. Thanks, Marie.
Second article of yours that's made me blub. I recognise that "scanning of the environment" as something that went into a hardcore overdrive some time before I turned five. It continued to run until this year, where something in me finally relaxed enough for it to let go. I am thirty six. Thank you 💜
OH RAE. I so relate to this. <3
Ahh this makes me emotional. Incredible description of something that happens all the time, unfortunately. My heart breaks for the little people who have to struggle with these experiences. I have hope things will change, we will heal and be able to soothe our babies’ bodies, hearts and minds without clipboard ladies! For now, we rebel and we provide nurture and support no matter the cost. Xx
WITHOUT CLIPBOARD LADIES! Haha. Yes, yes, yes.
🫰🏻🫰🏻🫰🏻
What a beautiful tracking and awareness!