cuddles

My middle kid sat down next to me last night and asked to be cuddled. She's feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the third quarter projects and assignments at school. Plus, soccer is starting to gear up for her and she is working out her place on this new team. She didn't start in the scrimmage on Saturday, first time ever the whistle blew and she was on the side line instead of the field. I could tell it bothered her even though she said she didn't mind. She understands she has to prove herself and earn that spot, but it still hurts.

She snuggled up next to me, being way too big to sit on my lap like she did when she was much younger, and we talked about what was going on with her. We talked about the Biology test Wednesday and the Spanish test on Thursday. We talked about soccer. We talked about English and the Animal Farm project due next week. She does have a lot going on right now.

I listened. I asked open ended questions. I kissed her head and told her it would all be okay. We talked about setting a schedule and working each day on these projects. We talked about how the best way to alleviate those 'stressy' feelings is to work on things and not just sit and think about them.

These cuddle moments will become fewer and far between as she travels further into her teen years. Those quiet moments when the distractions are few and she is really listening are sometimes hard to find.

It was a nice thing that we found that moment last night and that a cuddle from Mommy can still help.