Tara Lynn: Motherhood and the ocean

Each trip to the beach offers new experiences as the kids get older. They get bigger, braver, and more adventurous. As I was walking in the water and playing in the sand with my three kids this weekend, I felt all the feels of motherhood. Here are the thoughts that hit me like continuous waves.

Motherhood is introducing your child to new experiences. Toes in the sand. Seashells and watching a crab scurry along the sand back to his hiding place.

Motherhood is sitting in the sand with your newborn so they can safely feel the rush of water washing over our laps. It’s watching their eyes which may start filled with fear of the unknown. It’s holding them tighter so they know they are safe and then hearing them erupt into giggles as the wave washes over us and disappears back to the ocean.

Motherhood is holding his hand as he walks along the water’s edge. His little legs are ready to show off new independence, but he still needs to hold mommy’s hand to stay steady.

Motherhood is putting on their floaties and allowing them to play close to the water’s edge as you sit on the edge of your beach chair ready to jump and run at a moment's notice.

Motherhood is allowing them to shun their floaties as they become braver, holding both hands as they jump in the waves for the first time.

Motherhood is the heartbreak of them letting go or pushing your hand away as they test out their confidence and independence, jumping in all by themselves.

Motherhood is being just a few inches away as they test that independence. Being close enough to help when needed. Being just a quick step back for my little boy when a wave comes that he is not yet ready for. I am his safety net. Ready to catch him if a wave knocks him over or pick him up and hold him high in the air as the wave rolls over my own head.

Motherhood is also the pride of watching your oldest finally catch that wave all on her own.

It’s the planting of your feet in the sand, being a rock of safety. It’s knowing when the stay planted and when to run to offer a hand.

Motherhood is a balance of holding on and letting go. Watching for the next big wave and knowing when your child needs a hand and when it’s time for them to jump on their own. It’s knowing that no matter how old they are, you will always be standing on the shore like a lighthouse showing them the way home.