05/04/2026
We made this little pebble together sometime last year as part of a simple “calm down anchor” activity at home.
I remember explaining to her that when her feelings felt too big, she could hold the pebble - feel its coolness to help the “fire” in her settle, look at the artwork to remind herself that there are always other possibilities, and feel its weight to know she can be steady too.
Today, I found myself needing that reminder.
We were rushing out and already short on time when I found out that a stack of books - very precious to me - fell into a pail of water. In that moment, I felt a wave of frustration and angst. It wasn’t just about the mess; it was the feeling of loss, and I could feel myself getting overwhelmed.
Then she came up to me and placed the pebble in my hand.
To be honest, my first reaction was mild annoyance. I was still caught up in my emotions and didn’t quite have the space for anything else. But she didn’t say much, she just stood there, quietly offering it.
As I held it, I started to notice the coolness, the weight… and I paused. The frustration began to ease. What surprised me most was how quickly that shift happened: from feeling overwhelmed, to noticing her gesture, to calming down.
In that moment, it really struck me that the skills we try to teach our children do stay with them. And sometimes, they come back to us in the most unexpected and meaningful ways.
I’m grateful, not just that she remembered, but that she chose to show up for me in that way.
It was a simple reminder that while we guide our children, they are also learning how to care, to notice, and even to support us.
And sometimes, they end up teaching us just as much as we teach them. 🤍