Broken

When Sweet Pea was a baby I was overly paranoid about SIDS. I don't really know if  you can be overly paranoid about it. It wasn't a new mom thing because I'm just as worried about the newest baby.  But I remember hating worrying all the time. And I remember when she turned 7 or 8 months I felt this huge since of relief because now I didn't have to worry about SIDS. I could chill out. Then I thought about how she would be walking soon. And then I realized with abject horror that there were even more things to worry about....for the rest of her life. And even worse I won't always be able to fix what's wrong or prevent it.  I have resigned myself at this point that part of being a parent is a constant mixture of worry, guilt and helplessness. And love and awe too. But those don't usually keep me up at night.

I've learned that sometimes you have to let them learn from their mistakes. Like, don't fall off your bed in the middle of the night and land all wonky and break your clavicle.

Yes, that is my tiny little four year old in a sling. For a month. 

Hopefully she's learned that one.

My husband and I have never broken a bone, and our four year old already has. We both think she's going to be that kid, because she's incredibly clumsy and has to run everywhere. The whole time at the doctor I kept expecting them to say "Sure she fell off the bed. Sure."

Have you or a loved one broken something? And what have you come to terms with as a parent?