October is the month in which the International Breeding Week in Arms takes place, but unlike previous years, this time we are celebrating it in the middle of a pandemic, for which, from my personal point of view, this time it acquires even more important than before .
And it is that when we go through difficult situations and great changes, it is normal for us to seek some comfort and stability. Therefore, let’s celebrate it more than ever, because in times of crisis like the one we are experiencing, or when things seem uncertain, the best place for our children is our arms .
The pandemic and “mastitis”
A few months ago I was talking to you about an issue that many parents were concerned about at the time: why do our children seem to have “mastitis” or “papitis”? The answer was simple: they needed to feel safe and secure, at a time when their whole life has changed and it was not known when things would return to normal.
And it is that confinement changed absolutely everything , from our daily routine to the relationships we had with friends and family, which should only have become virtual.
Little by little, we have become accustomed to this famous “new normal”, and although it could be said that in our routine and activities we already adapt to it, emotionally we are still affected , since social distancing continues to be present.
All these things naturally make our children feel insecure , especially not having the certainty or clarity of knowing if life will one day go back to the way it was before. And for that, they cling to what is the only constant these days: the love of their parents.
Arms, your safe place always
When we talk about parenting, we usually think of early childhood or early years, in which our children are carried most of the time in our arms, but in reality, this type of parenting can continue for many, many more years .
Some time ago, I spoke precisely about this, when reflecting if the parenting ended or had an expiration date when our children stopped being babies, and my conclusion was that it is not like that. Perhaps we can no longer carry them in our arms as before, but this need does not disappear, it only evolves .
Our arms may no longer be enough to support their entire body as when they were babies or small children, but they are still a safe space for them. Now, we provide them with that security through hugs and affection .
Parenting is also being available to them when they need it, listening to them, accompanying them, and of course, hugging them . And I can say it myself, that at 33 years old nothing gives me more comfort than a hug from my mother when I am going through a difficult time.
Fathers and mothers never stop being fathers and mothers, and children never stop being children. We can be young or old, but that relationship that exists between the two is something that never disappears. Over time we become independent but always, a part of us will long for those hugs .
For this reason, now more than ever, let’s celebrate parenting together , a parenting in which that little space in the arms of mom and dad is available when our children need it, regardless of age.
Photos | iStock
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