I sat down to write this post a few minutes ago, and I had gotten as far as saying that it was Halloween night and my daughter’s first time out trick or treating without me. A friend of hers who lives in in the neighborhood is hosting a Halloween party and sleep over, and I dropped her off a few hours ago.
I was missing her a bit, but also loving being home to hand out candy.
One time I answered the door and the cutest little Ninja Turtle yelled, “Happy Halloween, Megan’s Mom!” That made my night. I love being called “Megan’s Mom.” I always have, but I find I’m appreciating it even more lately.
As I started to reflect on that, the doorbell rang again, and it was my Megan, with about 15 friends, all giggling and happy and very good with their thank yous.
It was then that I realized that trick or treat is a metaphor for parenting and that the evolution of trick or treating mirrors us launching them into the word.
It starts with carrying them in our arms, starting slowly and with those we know will be kind.
We then hold their hands and venture farther out, together.
Our role changes from facilitator to observer as we move to trailing behind and keeping a watchful eye from a distance.
Eventually, we let them go on their own. We hope that they encounter kind people and sweetness, that they have good friends to help them along the way, and that they remember their manners.
As we make our peace with their launch, they surprise us by returning home.
They don’t come to stay, they’re only passing through, but that smiles provides some wonderful reassurance and comfort, and you wish them well and hold the same hopes as before as they head out again.
It’s not lost on me that child opted to go as the Eiffel Tower this Halloween. She’s itching to see the world and I think in addition to seeing monuments, she’d like to do something monumental herself. I cannot wait to see what that is and cheer her on. The best part is that I’ll always be Megan’s Mom. (And yes, I’ll probably still be stuffing Skittle in my face for a bit of comfort.)
Please like Mom Factually on Facebook. You can also find MF on Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram.
