Many parents tend to keep themselves and their children busy stating that if they don't have things to do, they will go bonkers. They plan playdates, summer camp, special trips and such on a daily basis. By the end of a day, their children and they are falling apart at the seams.
My goal for the past few months has been to keep life simple. I took my 4 year old out of preschool since he has another year before entering kindergarten. This was the last chance we had at spending days together. It was tough at first, especially with an infant, but as time went on, we got into a rhythm of enjoying the day. yes, cartoons definitely became an everyday occurrance, but is that so so bad? I mean, really??? Keeping it fun and educational is key. I put an end to the mindless superhero cartoons mighty quickly.
We began meal planning and making meals together. Constructing fortresses and turning our sleeping porch into a "pirate ship" has been an ongoing adventure. Planting a garden from seed and checking daily (or 7 times per day) to see what pops up has been a great experience. Making minimal plans each week and simply waking up, playing in bed for a bit, making breakfast and then deciding, "what do we want to do today" has become a daily way of life. Sometimes its a simple hike, or constructing a helicopter-motorcycle out of legos or we can go on a totally spur of the moment trip somewhere we've never been.
The lessons learned are these: Slow down. Remember to breathe. Have fun - even if you're not in the mood to.
Children grow up so quickly, why are we in such a rush to get them out of the house, having someone else to teach them, feed them and babysit them all day long? I had children to create quality sentient beings who can make a difference in the world. Yes, I've lost a bit of my freedom, but I know it will return soon enough. Others seem to be more concerned about it than I am!
Although some moments are difficult, all in all, I smile and laugh with them, my heart gushes with pure love when I open my eyes in the morning and see their faces looking at me. Remembering that these moments pass quickly helps me be 'in the moment' more often.
Here are some tips for enjoying the summer with children:
~Make a list of places you'd like to go and things you'd like to do. Some will be actual events on specific days. Set those days in your calendar. Save the list for spontaneous outings.
~If you have a yard, plant a garden. Get your children involved. Who cares if the watermelon grows where the broccoli is (which is what's happening in our garden right now). This is how children learn.
~In moments when you are feeling frustrated or overwhelmed, be honest with your children in how you're feeling and ask them to give you a minute. Just 1 minute. Go to another room, sit down, close your eyes and breathe deeply through your nose (inhalations and exhalations) 30 times which will take about 30 seconds. Then sit with your eyes closed for another 30 seconds. The oxygen you just sent to your brain will immediately calm you down and get you relaxed. guaranteed. Its an old Ayurvedic practice: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmAZb_ShnQk
~Take a hike! Whether you live in the country or the city, just put on your shoes (or go shoeless if you love to feel connected to Mama Earth) and go for a walk. Just be outside with no destination. Its amazing how fun it is and what amazing things you can discover together. Remember to stop and smell the roses!
~Remember its okay to just be. The more we allow our children to just "be", the more they get used to it and their creative minds take over. It is a beautiful process to witness. Trust in the process. It may be bumpy at first and that is okay. Trust.
My wee one is waking from his afternoon nap now while the older one is at the playground with Dad. Time to just hang out in the sunshine and just be.
xoxo
No comments:
Post a Comment