Last Saturday, I had just let my Aaron go on a school field trip unaccompanied. I was a bit hesitant at first because I know that Aaron has a negligent, laid-back attitude and tends to be comfortable anywhere, even in unfamiliar places, and his innocence and trusting attitude will definitely make him vulnerable to human vultures but I know that protecting him wouldn't progress his personality at all so, as disparaging as it may be, I had to let him go.
I accompanied him to school though and waited for his teacher so I could talk to her and ask her to stalk my child. LOL. I waited, and waited disappointingly the teacher never came and I became irritated enough to ask a pen from the bus driver and wrote my mobile phone number on my son's wrist. Yes, I did that and I told my son that if anything undesirable happens to him, he can go to the nearest security person or police and show them his wrist and tell them to call the number written on it because it's his mom's number. I was beginning to think if I'm doing the right thing, letting him go on this field trip alone. Still worried and doubtful, I was almost tempted to sneak in at the furthest back seat and stay invisible, and shadow my son all throughout the trip. My doubt grew stronger when one parent asked me why I am letting my son unaccompanied on a school field trip. (My son is 11-years old and I am not an overprotective mom like you, ok? |eyes-rolling-upward-doubting-myself-on-that-statement). I felt Aaron starting to have qualms about me keeping my word because he asked me twice already why I was still inside the bus and I answered with a wry smile twice and I don't think that convinced him that I am confident that he can go on this trip alone. (I wish I had a man in my life to teach me how to be a man, lol). Not wanting to let my son think that I don't trust him, I said goodbye to my Aaron and stepped down from the bus. I guess that was the best thing I could do for him because when he came home later that night, I felt him transformed to a young man, proud of himself, and I know at that moment, I was the proudest parent there could ever be.
Daddy-ness: I had the same problem with my daughter, when she was growing up. And please note she is my Unica Hija. I had to force myself not to worry and not appear worried whenever she left the house for school. But now, I realized that my decision to let her go on her own, enabled her to grow up mentally. She is 18 now and is going to college in Batangas. She has a boyfriend (whom I met) and is definitely aware of what's happening in her life. Thank God for my decision to trust her. :)
ReplyDelete@DisgruntledHouseband, thank you for your comment. I have always believed that kids need to discover themselves on their own. We can only guide and support them. :)
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