Trust, courage, and the unwavering support of a loving family, that’s the ideal for any parent.
In a world where helicopter parenting often dominates the narrative, this story offers a refreshing perspective on fostering independence while ensuring a safety net of love and care. Enjoy.
Every year Martin’s parents took him to his grandmother’s home to spend the summer and some holidays. The family would hop on a train in the morning and return home on the same train the next day.
One day Martin told his parents: “I’m big now. Can I take the train and go to Grandma’s house alone?”
After a short discussion, the parents accepted.
As they are standing waiting for the departure of the train, the parents say goodbye to their son giving him some tips out the window, while Martin repeated to them: “I know ! I’ve been told that over a thousand times.”
The train is about to leave and his father whispers in his ear as he places a piece of paper in Martin’s pocket
“Son, I’m proud of you. If you feel nervous or unsure anytime during your trip, this is for you.”
Martin is now alone sitting on the train just as he wanted, without his parents for the first time. He admires the landscape through the window, around him some strangers are talking with each other, they are making a lot of noise as the disembark and get on the train.
The train supervisor makes some comments about being alone. Another passenger looks at Martin with sad eyes.
Martin now feels more alone as every minute passes. He feels afraid. He bows his head and has tears in his eyes. Then he suddenly remembers that his dad had put something in his pocket.
Trembling, he looks for what his father gave him. Finding the piece of paper he unfolds it.
On it is written: “Son, I’m in the last car!”
Wow, Dad has his back.
This is life. We let our children go, with backup as needed. Isn’t it pretty phenomenal to be in the last train, watching, just in case they are afraid or hit an obstacle and don’t know what to do?
The author of this story is unknown. We also didn’t put in the boy’s age for a reason. Each of us as parents and grandparents must assess and figure out how we will have our child’s back.
Having your child’s back is important and knowing how to navigate that individually is the gold.
If inspired, please share.
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