A note from your little one

I didn’t see your tears, but I felt your presence. And it mattered more than I could have ever known at the time...

If you’re in the throes of a challenging period right now, I’m hoping this will help with a little perspective. If you have a baby, toddler or a child who’s older, I’m certain this will help you to reflect, and encourage calmer responses during those difficult parenting moments…

Dear mum/dad,

I’ve been thinking a lot about my early years lately. I know I was too young to remember most of it, but somehow, I still carry the feeling of being loved, held, and safe... and that’s all because of you!

I know the day I was born changed everything. You probably felt a thousand emotions all at once: love, fear, joy, uncertainty. And even though there was no manual, you figured it out day by day, moment by moment. You showed up. And that meant everything.

I want to thank you for the nights you never really slept. When I woke crying for the third, fourth, or fifth time, you were there... rocking me, feeding me, holding me close. I didn’t understand then what sleep deprivation does to a person, but now I do. And I know you gave everything you had, even when it seemed like you had nothing left to give.

I’ve seen the pictures of my first smile, and you always tell me how magical it was. I know it probably felt small, but it was the start of something beautiful between us... a bond full of connection, laughter, and a bond built without words.

I also know I wasn’t always easy. My toddler years were full of big feelings I couldn’t control. The meltdowns, the defiance, the tears over the wrong colour cup… It must’ve been exhausting. But you didn’t give up on me. You tried to understand what I was feeling, even when I couldn’t explain it. Thank you for staying patient when it would’ve been easier to scream and shout.

I know now there were days you felt completely overwhelmed. Touched out. Run down. Maybe even lost. I didn’t see your tears, but I felt your presence. And it mattered more than I could have ever known at the time.

As I got older, our days got louder and messier. But they were also filled with laughter and life. You let me explore, make a mess, and be my full, wild little self. And through that freedom, I found joy and discovered who I was.

Eventually, I started to want to do things on my own. And you let me... even when it broke your heart a little. You stood back, cheered me on, and gave me space to grow. That kind of trust? It shaped who I am today, so thank you <3

So, thank you for all of it. For the love, the sacrifices, the emotional rollercoaster you rode just to help me thrive. I didn’t understand it back then… but I do now.

With all my heart,

Thank you.

Love,

Me

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Tom Piccirilli, Founder of The Dad Vibes