There was a time when our kids followed us like our shadows. Wherever we went, they went too. Grocery runs, short walks, even the bank — they just wanted to come along. “Mumma, can I come?” used to be their favourite line.
They’d sit right next to our legs when we cooked in the kitchen, playing with spoons, boxes, and toys that were never meant to be toys. Just being near us made them feel safe. Sometimes they’d hold on to our dupatta, tugging gently — not letting us go too far.
They had a hundred little tricks just to get our attention — fake crying, funny dances, loud singing, or just sitting there with that cute innocent face until we gave in. Irony is — today we are the ones doing a thousand tricks to get theirattention.
Once upon a time, they wouldn’t even let us take a peaceful bath. They’d sit outside the bathroom door, calling out every minute — “Are you done, Mumma?” In those days of small nuclear families, we’d keep talking from inside just so they didn’t get scared.
And today? We’re the ones calling out — “Beta, dinner’s ready!” “Beta, come out in five minutes!” — and they’re inside the bathroom watching reels! or scrolling endlessly, pretending not to hear.
How the tables have turned! Once we wanted a few minutes of peace, and now we’d give anything just to have them follow us around again.
Now, they have their own world — their friends, their space, their privacy. We’ve gone from being the center of their little universe to being a side planet they visit only when they feel like it. And though it stings sometimes, there’s also pride — pride in seeing them grow, become independent, find themselves.
But still, once in a while, when they say, “Okay fine, I’ll come,” our hearts do that silent happy dance. We act normal — “as you wish” — but inside, we’re glowing.
Because no matter how big they get, for us they’ll always be that little child sitting by the kitchen floor, holding our dupatta, waiting for us to finish cooking — just to be close.
So when your teen locks the door and says, “I need some space,” smile. Someday they’ll knock on your door and say, “Mumma, let’s go out — just us.” And that day, the world will feel warm again. ❤️
Blessmesai 