The day I lost sight of Emma

Emma conquered a thrilling 8 meter high 4 level wave solo slide with me at the next slide "lane" last week! 

It's probably my 4th time mentioning it. However, it wasn't the proud mummy moment that struck me most. 

It was the brief moment when I lost sight of Emma. After us going on many rounds at the jungle play gym, successful solo slides and aching back, I decided to let our 2 years & 7 months girl have a go by herself for the very first time. I watched intensely as she climbed up the direct "steps/route" to the slide in the enclosed and heavily padded jungle play gym. To my surprise, she was much more courageous and adventurous than I thought. She plucked her courage, gave a right turn and gone out of my sight. 

Oh no! That wasn't the route we'd practised!

I shouted for Emma loudly as I ran up the steps. The jungle play gym suddenly looked like a maze. I heard her calling "mama" but neither could I see her nor figure out where she is. I quickly handed my bags to a fellow mummy blogger's hubby and went up to search for Emma again. This time, I was even more anxious, calling out loudly for her and expecting some wails.

Then finally, I spotted Emma across a bridge and calling out to me happily. What a great relieve! That's few mins seems forever. We reunited, gave her a tight hug and asked if she is fine. Apparently, she was having too much fun that she didn't even find anything amiss. 

Looks like she's all ready to fly but her Mama, me, isn't exactly ready to let go. What if she get hit by other kids? Am I too protective? She's not even 3! I guess I could wait for a while more? 

Nevertheless, I'm glad that I made the decision to let her venture out of her (our) comfort zone as now I know she is capable of making her way around "obstacles" without having me to stick around in a safe environment. The next day, I let her attend the church children sunday school alone and I finally sit through the sermon after a long time. Both of us had an enjoyable time.

Emma is growing up so fast and she's no longer the helpless and needy baby. She start to show independence and assert their stand. As loving parents, it's hard to let go of our little ones but we need to.

When we, parents, allow our children to do age-appropriate things by themselves, we allow them learn and grow. Holding back and doing things for them doesn't help them in the long run. They need to know that they are capable to be independent and do things for themselves. 

Then again, that doesn't mean we don't parent or take care of them anymore but we just do it in a different way. Before I let Emma go slowly, I really need to figure out how best to let her fly safely and soar high. May the Lord grant us wisdom and continue to watch over her, guide her and protect her.