Earnest

Children cry because they don’t get what they want. Sweet narcissism. 

There are moments when children cry that are completely earnest and true. Sad moments full of love and kindness that it just breaks your heart into a million pieces. They are sensitive and fragile. 

Young children wear their hearts on their sleeves, for the most part. It’s endearing. It’s beautiful. Raw. I don’t know yet when that stops for some. I suspect it’s closer than we think. 

It’s valuable to love and appreciate the tears as much as the joy and happiness. Because they will never be experienced by your child again as they are right now. At this age. Whatever that age may be. 

And so when he’s desperate about next getting to watch a video, or unable to hold back the tears when King Triton smashes Ariel’s cavern of human treasures, I do my best to let him have his sadness.