Theo is my beloved six-year-old son. He’s my firstborn—independent, responsible, a leader to his siblings, and a rule-follower. He’s also incredibly even-keeled.
In contrast, my five-year-old has ONE favorite pair of shorts. They’re polyester, gray, with a yellow drawstring and pockets. Any pair that differs in the slightest can spark a 45-minute meltdown—one that often ends with him heading to school in pajama shorts. This prompted me to ask Theo, “Do you like your shorts? Are there any favorites you want me to buy?”
He replied with a lighthearted, “No, I like all shorts. Any shorts you give me, I like.” And it’s true. He’s adaptable. It’s one of his superpowers.
But occasionally, we find his limits. Today, it was a carrot.
The deal was that he needed to eat a vegetable with lunch, and his wonderful babysitter negotiated that he only needed to eat one baby carrot. Moments later, Theo melted into a puddle of tears—sobbing, unable to speak, and hiding his face. I could hear his cries through my headphones while I was on a Teams call.
It was then that I took in the full context. He had just finished school a few days ago. I’ve been in a season of back-to-back evening fundraising meetings. I didn’t get to put him to bed last night. And though I’m working from home, I’ve been largely inaccessible. His siblings are all at school. And the summer day—so full of open-ended possibilities—felt overwhelming today.
He’s six years old, and he needs the hugs and comfort of his mom. He misses the structure of his learning centers at school. And he misses being the oldest, instead of being the only.
So, he cries and cries. And even though he doesn’t nap anymore, I tuck him into the bed right next to me while I work, wrapped in “Mommy’s special blanket,” with my knee gently pressed against his back. He quickly falls asleep listening to kids’ radio—playing The Cha Cha Slide, of all things.
Because sometimes, life reminds us that you’ve only been in this world for six years. And sometimes, what you really need is a comforting hug and a nap.
