This afternoon, Son went for a motorbike ride with his mates. They usually go on the bush trails around here, so it’s not roadbike stuff. On the other hand, this is not the wisest thing to do before having surgery on your back! Oh well – when I’m not intensely anxiety-ridden, I’m a free and easy mum.
Free and easy isn’t necessarily a popular stance, especially when it comes to parenting (and, now, bird-raising!) But I absolutely love it. Let me recap:
In the Christmas of 2010, Husband and I surprised Son with the motorbike of his dreams. Son had no idea, so when he got to the bottom of his pillowcase presents, he was shocked to open a tiny package containing the motorbike key. We had hidden the actual motorbike in the old dairy, so it took ages for Son to find it.
It was joy-at-first-sight – the best moment of spoiled-brattishness ever. Son was so overcome, he cried.
In free and easy mode, I let him go on the ride today, despite the impending surgery to his back. Perhaps I’m an idiot, perhaps not; I want him to be feisty, not feeble; courageous, not cowardly; free, not frightened; resiliant, not (sorry, can’t think of an ‘r’ word!)
Needless to say, but I’m going to say it anyway, this kid is the light of our lives – Husband’s life, my life and, well, Son seems to also be the light of his own life.
He LOVES himself!!
Free and easily yours….
jmgoyder 
….restricted…..raddled…….restrained……..resigned……..rattled……rueful…….regretful…..restless…….retiring M.L.
smarty pants
lol 😀
You did the right thing.
Hope so Tilly!
‘Rattled’ was my first thought.
mmm!
Ah, youth! Wonderful time, but I wouldn’t want to go back. He’s right to get all he can out of it. And your right to let him.
Yes, I used to waste a lot of energy worrying – relief not to!
Love your back. Let one who failed to do that forty years ago and has had to live with it since offer your boy a word of advice.
I will certainly pass that on to Son. Many thanks – wise advice.
Julie, Better to let him get it out of his system now, to burn off the steam and stress, than after the surgery? You are a good mom! ~ Lynda
You’re right! All he wants to know is how soon he can ride his motorbike after the op. It’s 3 months but I haven’t told him that yet – yikes!
Absoloodle you did the right thing – living in the now!
Love your spelling!!!