Mama's Boy Fading

My son, D, is a cuddler. Even at age 6, he loves to give me snuggles and hugs, and lets me shower him with millions of kisses each day. Last year, in kindergarten, I would volunteer once a week in his classroom, and when I'd walk in he'd shout "Mama" and come over and give me a hug. I loved his uninhibited display of affection for me. I savor it, because I know that one day this won't be the case.


Now D is in 1st grade. This week I took him to school for the first time (since the first day of school, that is). Usually my husband, J, takes him to school, but he is unable to this week. The first day I took him this week, I asked for a kiss good-bye. D suddenly looked uncomfortable, took a step back, and shook his head "no". I was surprised, and a little sad, but waved him off to go play with his friends.

Today when I asked for a kiss at school, he gave me one. And later, when I walked into his classroom to volunteer for the first time this school year, he again shouted "Mama!" and was happy to see me. Whew! I am not sure how long he'll want to give his mom a kiss at school, or think it's great for me to be in his classroom, but I'll take it for as long as he give it.

Here's hoping for more kisses, snuggles, and uninhibited gleeful shouts of "Mama!"