Lisa Grentz, MS, RDN, CD, LDN, FAND and Elisabeth G Kraus, MA
Recently, I was scrolling through social media and saw a post of a woman posing for a picture with her two daughters in front of an exterior wall where the words “I love you beyond measure” were painted. This saying is such a beautiful reminder of all the ways we love our children – and it can serve as a reminder for parents who are feeling lost or discouraged on the journey towards growing a happy, eating child. With so many therapists and physicians involved in our kids’ day-to-day care, sometimes, even the best parents can wonder if they are doing a good job.
In those moments, when the world feels really overwhelming, it can be refreshing to take a step back and really see that little one right in front of you. Not just to remind yourself of how amazing they are, but also to see your wonderful love reflected back in their little eyes. You love their minds for their thoughtful interactions, the way they think and process new words or concepts, their endless questions trying to satisfy their inquisitive nature, the way they communicate their love through words or actions.
You love their bodies for all they can physically accomplish. You love to watch them play and to even join them on an imaginary adventure! You celebrate the work and effort it has taken to master certain tasks or skills. You love the determination and relentless nature they possess to persevere under any circumstances, their quest to defy odds and exceed any physical limitations or restrictions. You love their sweet spirit, kind hearts, and joy of life. You love them mind, body, and soul. You celebrate them, daily, for their uniqueness and cherish all that they are.
Metrics like weight, stature, and body proportionality, are simply not a consideration in your endless love. A measuring stick or pediatric scale can’t remotely size up all of the wonder that you pour into your child every single day. So, the next time you are at a medical appointment and told your child is not gaining or growing to the teams’ expectations, just remind yourself that your child is MORE than measurements, percentiles, and z-scores. Remind yourself that your love and their safety and happiness do not hinge on those numbers and that when you look at your child as a whole, unique, and glorious individual, you see a person that is perfect just the way they are. Your love for them is beyond measure – and you are doing a good job.