I’ve come to learn that patience is one of the greatest gifts I can give to my daughter’s growth and learning. Her development rarely follows the path I expect, and there are times when it feels like progress is slow or even nonexistent. But I’ve seen firsthand that it’s in those moments of struggle where the real growth happens.

There’s a saying; luctor et emergo, “I struggle and emerge” and it’s taught me that it’s through facing difficulties that my daughter gains her strength, resilience, and wisdom. I used to think my job was to make things easier for her, to smooth the path ahead. But I’ve realized it’s more important to let her face challenges, to allow her the space to wrestle with her own problems.

For instance, my daughter has recently developed a fascination with sewing and crochet. At just nine years old, she amazes me with her creativity, designing and crafting clothing for her stuffed animals. Right now, she’s diligently working on an apron from fabric we picked out together. I couldn’t be prouder of her determination and her desire to learn these skills on her own.

I’ve learned that my role isn’t to push or rush her learning but to offer her steady support and trust in her process. Every setback she faces is an opportunity for her to emerge stronger, and I’ve come to understand how vital it is to resist the urge to step in too quickly. By being patient and present, I’ve watched her find her own way, in her own time, becoming more capable than I ever could have imagined.

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In patience, I find a disciplined space,
Where her creativity grows at its own pace.
She creates with fabric, glue and thread,
In each little struggle, her confidence spreads.
I stand in awe as she finds her way,
In her own journey of growth, prouder every day.

— Sincerely, Boris