Just cause I don't hug you don't mean I don't love you.

I read an article recently about making kids hug people to be polite. It got a bit serious and high brow with psychologists weighing in but the underlying message really aligns with my personal philosophy.

I have a view that I don't like it when kids are forced to hug me and I try very hard (and it can be hard, especially with family) to explain to people that Grace can hug if she chooses but normally she is more of a high five kinda girl. Doesn't mean she doesn't love you, it's just how she rolls.

Some kids are naturally cuddly and it's lovely being on the receiving end of their hello and goodbye hugs. Some kids show love in less physical ways and I'm cool with a high five, a smile or an enthusiastic wave.

After all, we are all individuals and individualism starts young. There is never an excuse to not be polite but it's okay to express affection in the way that makes you comfortable.

Picture of an 11 year olds desk

Grace has her desk in the family room, mainly due to space in her room but also to help her not lock herself away. She just finished tidying it and I love how it represents where she is at. Lots of art, Lego still displayed proudly, pillow on chair covering her phone ( she is still adhering to the no phone in her room rule, yay!), pottery on display. A beautiful blend of child and teenager!

Everyone is growing up

Turning 50 is a weird milestone - I dont feel 50, and I dont really put a lot of weight behind milestone numbers. But I do like reflecting on life, and I feel I have grown, learnt from many of my mistakes, and lived a pretty great life. The biggest change is watching just how much Grace has grown this year. Today I washed some of her baby clothes that I found so I can store them and it took me right back to when my whole clothes line had tiny little outfits on it. This year, she everything has changed and I am in so much grief for the loss of some of the old routines, it hurts!! She is still my little button and I see that side of her when she is unsure or overwhelmed. I need to manage my patience through these growing phases, as my sister said "give her space and grace". She is the kindest, funniest and sweetest girl and I love her so much that it honestly hurts. I hope she knows that. She seems to have all my worst moments front of mind that I wonder at times if she sees ...

Updates

Spot Update: Day Three days since we found out Grace's best friend has chicken pox. So far, no spots on my cheurb. Puppy Countdown Update: Dog sitting confirmed for 16th Sept to 10th Oct. How hard can it be? Italian Student Update: One week left. I will miss his critic of my pasta cooking, but grateful my lasagna passed the "Italian test"

A Work In Progress

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