How he thinks I see him vs how I still see him

Every parent, especially us #boymoms, knows this feeling all too well. There's this unspoken perception game we play with our kids, isn't there? It’s the viral trend of 'how he thinks I see him vs. how I really see him' brought to life right in our own homes. And honestly, it hits different when it's your #firstborn. I watch my son now, this incredible young man who's growing up so fast. He carries himself with such confidence, probably sees himself as completely independent, capable of anything, and definitely too cool for school! He's got his own style, his own interests, and sometimes I catch a glimpse of him thinking, 'Mom probably sees me as this tough, unshakeable force.' He's probably imagining I see him as the grown-up version of whatever image he's trying to project to the world – strong, maybe a little rebellious, certainly not a kid anymore. But then there's how I still see him. And it's a completely different picture, painted with years of memories, unconditional love, and a touch of wistful nostalgia. When I look at him, I don't just see the young man he is today; I see the tiny baby I held in my arms, the toddler who stumbled his first steps, the little boy with a mischievous grin who always had dirt on his knees. I see the innocent curiosity in his eyes, the vulnerability he tried to hide, and the pure heart that's always been there. It's a collage of every stage of his life, all layered into one enduring image that time can't erase. It’s a beautiful, sometimes bittersweet, experience to hold these two contrasting images in my mind. On one hand, I'm bursting with pride at the capable, strong individual he's becoming. On the other, my heart aches a little for the little boy who used to cling to my hand. This perception gap isn't a bad thing; it's a testament to growth, to the passage of time, and to the unwavering nature of a parent's love. It's a reminder that while they're out there conquering the world, to us, they'll always be 'our baby.' I think this is why this particular trend resonates so much with parents. It’s a shared sentiment, a universal truth that no matter how old our children get, certain aspects of how we see them remain unchanged. It's a blend of seeing their potential, acknowledging their present, and cherishing their past. So, to all the other #boymoms and parents out there, know that you're not alone in holding onto that precious, timeless image of your child, even as they evolve into the amazing people they're meant to be. This duality is part of the magic of parenthood.