Parenting Victory: Finding Balance Between Protection and Freedom

Menstrual Cycle: Follicular – Day 4

Location: Home – desk

Context: Attending online PSW course, while reflecting what had happened this morning with me and Dragan

🧠 Thought Stream

~Body: muted the online course

~Feeling: relieved, at ease

[reflective thought]: I feel relieved that I was able to explain well this morning (with his Daddy over Messenger) why I need to discipline him last night. He understood clearly. I think using “soldier” in a war plan ticked because he could relate the possible danger for not following instructions from the “general” and what’s planned. I told him it’s the same with his situation yesterday. He asked permission to play with Mateo at the playground, right across the house. I explained to him that going beyond the playground is considered dangerous. Going in someone’s house without my knowledge is very dangerous. I asked him, “If you shouted for help, will somebody hear you and help you?” He answered, “No.” Exactly, I told him. ” And if something happens, where will I find you?” He knew I wouldn’t able to locate him.

[satisfied thought]: It feels good that he understood well that we’re always thinking of his safety, and the same time, he has freedom to roam around by himself with his friends at the park even though it’s right across the house.

[values thought]: I want him to have that “freedom” to do what he wants –with his bike, and all without me constantly eyeing him. He’s 8yo.

[childhood memory thought]: When I was his age.. I liked to go around the neighborhood, parks, and get curious all by myself. I know it’s totally different now, but I want him have that feeling of “free-ness.”

[concluding thought]: I guess, that’s all. Back to class now.

End at 10:03

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