Do you remember when your cat was young and new?
You’d play with him, and he would come and cuddle with you.
You were the most important thing in his life. And his fragility and new-ness to the world made you feel special. You might just be the dopiest prick in the world, but there were still things you could show him that were new.
You stood all a goog as you watched him experience new things for the first time. Like rain. Or other animals.
You watched him, but also remembered what experiencing snow or starting school felt like for you.
And now he comes home, after a day away. He wants his dinner, he curls up on his seat, and he’s separate from you.
But you still love him to bits, and respect his independence.
You wish him nothing but the best.
Is that how parents feel about their children too?