Letting go

The sentences are starting to form

And the outfits are becoming her pick,

⠀

The doors are starting to slam

And the TV is on with a flick.

⠀

The eyes have started to veer

And the boots are on the right feet,

⠀

The questions are starting to flood

And “hi you” is her way to greet.

⠀

The day naps have started to end

and nights are more consistent,

⠀

The tantrums are starting to lessen

But the demands are more persistent.

⠀

The ears are starting to listen

And the movements are in reflect,

⠀

The requests include basic manners

But my mash is never “puuurfect”.

⠀

The steps have started to fasten

Family names she can now list,

⠀

Toy collections have started to grow

And skipped pages are never missed.

⠀

Quiet time is starting to happen

But the wiggles are her favourite band,

⠀

The clings are starting to loosen

Yet cups are held with one hand.

⠀

The showers have started to lengthen

Any help offered is answered “I can”,

⠀

The independence has started to feature

And so early in her life span.

⠀

The new starts are coming in thick

And the ends are here just as fast,

⠀

It’s hard to keep up with it all

I feel like I’m living the past.

⠀

All I can do is start letting go

And watch her starting the new,

⠀

While holding on to what she allows

Especially the hugs which seem few.

⠀

Because that’s what parenting is

It’s helping them start starting now,

⠀

It’s guiding them to independence

And letting go before knowing how.