2025/08/24 The Way Home from Camp: Small Growth and a Parent's Gaze

2025/08/24

I woke up on Sunday morning a bit later than usual.
Outside the window, the day was already filled with scorching sunlight.

The chirping of birds and the sound of cicadas seemed to emphasize the quietness of a house without children.

I finished using the restroom, washing my face, and applying makeup all at once, and had a simple breakfast of Isobe mochi with my husband.

My heart was already naturally turning toward the children's return.

They would be coming back in the evening after finishing their camp, which started yesterday.
The time spent in a restless state seemed to only add to the summer heat.

Smiles and conversations beyond the hard work

3:30 PM. The children appeared right on schedule.
The report of their camp on the way home was more fulfilling than I had imagined.

My eldest daughter won the Grand Prix for her scorpion.
She didn't make it to the prize list for her turns, but she seemed to have been treated very well by the older girls in her room, and she couldn't stop talking about it.

Watching her talk with sparkling eyes, I felt the magnitude of the experience she gained through her connections with others, even more than the technical achievements.I felt the magnitude of the experience gained through connections with people.

On the other hand, my second daughter seemed a bit tired.
Usually, she competes with her older sister to report things, but she was quietly looking out the car window.

When I heard that she had won the semi-Grand Prix in all of her many techniques, my heart warmed at her hard work.
Although she fell just one step short, it was more than enough of an achievement for her as a younger student.

However, she herself does not seem satisfied at all.

Both of them have expressions clearly different from when they left home. They are tired, but they look somewhat proud and a little more mature.

Things more important than results

While preparing dinner, I was thinking about the children's experiences at the camp.

I believe there is great value in the various emotions the children must have felt during the time they spent away from their parents.

The interactions with older girls that my eldest daughter told me about.
The words from various instructors that were different from usual.
The attitude of continuing to challenge themselves without giving up until the end.
And yet, the Grand Prix they couldn't reach.

I felt that all of these things, reflected in the expressions of my two grown-up children who also showed hints of frustration, were the true treasures they gained at the camp.

The warmth of a family dinner

Dinner was yakitori, as requested.
The savory smell of chicken and the lively voices of the children echoed. I realized once again the warmth of the time when the family gathers around the dining table.

The quiet time was precious, but I reaffirmed thatthis liveliness is the daily life of our homeI was worried about my second daughter's cough, so I decided to put her in the bath early and have her go to bed a little earlier today.

I want to care for their bodies after they worked so hard.
As a parent, I am learning the importance of

watching over themevery day. I often want to interfere, but there is nothing better than the experience children gain for themselves.I think it is truly a happy thing to be able to see the process of them growing up little by little up close.



Do you have any experiences that remained in your heart even though you didn't reach the result?By acknowledging that hard work more than the result, I'm sure it will spark motivation for the next time.

\ If you'd like, please take a look at these too /
▶︎ Six memorable episodes from the life of a mom who wakes up at 4 AM.
　

▶︎ The day I allowed myself the luxury of "doing nothing."

▶︎ What the children's smiles taught me was,
　the peace of mind that comes from human connections!

Please start with whatever interests you♪

Thank you so much for reading until the end!
I am always grateful for your warm likes and comments.
I believe that accumulating days is much more strengthening to the heart than achieving things perfectly.

Without pushing, little by little.
Let's find small happiness again tomorrow.
See you again!