I think most people have read Guess How Much I love You. It’s one of my children’s favourite stories. It was one of the first stories I ever read to the girls and we still read it regularly at bedtime. As Kitten struggles with being told that I love her, it’s yet another way to let her know how much I care in a less direct way.
Recently Bunny, my little one, has said frequently that she wishes she had grown in my tummy. Then Kitten will ask me to tell them the sorts of things I would have done with them if they had been my little babies.
So today I decided to give the girls a special present each. I decided to give them a gift I might have given if they had been my newborns. I’m always trying to think of new ways to make a connection with both children, but especially Kitten, and thought it might mean something to them. This idea was suggested by a PASW to another adopter I know and had been received positively by her son.
So this evening firstly I read the story to them both at bedtime. As I sat in the middle of them, as usual Kitten was trying to make sure my arm didn’t touch hers.
Then once they were in bed I gave them each a Little Nutbrown Hare from the story:
Bunny was very happy to get a new soft toy and settled down to sleep – her usual Teddy quickly abandoned on the floor.
But with Kitten I sat on her bed and reminded her why I was giving her that toy – that my love is for always, every second of every day, not just when she’s being good or happy or calm. I love her if she’s doing something she shouldn’t, if she’s dysregulated, if she’s angry and even when she doesn’t love me one tiny bit I still love her.
And my little girl got tears in her eyes as I spoke.
Kitten has rarely shown genuine emotion like that. In fact I’m sitting here wondering if it was the first time – and I think it might be. For a few minutes I felt like there was a real connection between us, that she understood that I meant it. She didn’t say I love you back and that’s ok. Tonight at least my 6 year old will go to sleep believing that her mother loves her. That’s enough for me.
3girlstogether 
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Such a special moment.
That is so wonderful. Such a special moment, one to cherish and cling to in all the tough times.
I have just had a similar conversation with my 7 year old.He’s actually asking more in depth questions such as to whether I would have breast fed him and how would I have held him when feeding him? Would I have liked to have had him in my tummy.What would I have said to him when feeding him and how would I have looked at him ? and many more.Your idea of a teddy that I would have given him when he was born sounds like a really good idea .It obviously has had an effect on your daughter ,which is really wonderful.
That has brought more than a tear to my eye. So lovely.
Oh that’s just wonderful it made me cry big hugs xxxxx
Beautiful!! 🙂
Wonderful. That just ground my world to a halt. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
What a lovely precious moment. I hope it sustains you for ages!