Part 2 of my “Only Mommy Will Do… Until She Doesn’t” series.
Wanting Mommy is one thing.
But what about when Mommy hits her limit…and walks away?
That was me last night. I was helping my daughter with an essay response, except she wasn’t helping back—lying on the floor, whimpering, barely answering my questions. After a few minutes of that, I hit my limit. I walked away, hoping the message was clear: I can’t help when you won’t try.
I grabbed my coat and ran up the street for a quick five-minute pickup before dinner, stewing the whole time.
But when I walked back in the house, my heart melted instantly.
Guess who was sitting next to her, helping her with her essay?
Her big brother.
Who had stopped doing his homework to help her with hers.
This isn’t the first time. I once read a story from a mom whose child came to her asking for help, but she was busy. The child didn’t complain—he simply called his older brother at work, who stopped what he was doing to help. That story stuck with me.
And somehow, it’s exactly how things are unfolding in my house.
My son has this magic touch with his sister sometimes. He’s helped with math, with writing—things she’ll fight me on. I always worry because he’s a math whiz, and I wonder if he’ll explain it in a way that helps or confuses her. But usually, she doesn’t need a perfect explanation.
She just needs someone to sit with her.
And he does. Patiently.
I’m grateful I’m raising a son who, even though she annoys him as younger siblings do, steps into the big-brother role when it matters.
I’m grateful she lets him.
Because in the end, long after the homework battles and bedtime meltdowns…
they’ll have each other.
Has one of your kids ever surprised you by stepping up for a sibling? I’d love to hear stories like this—drop them in the comments or share this with a friend who knows these moments well.
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