One day, the kids and I were watching some videos that I had taken when they toddlers and babies. I was shocked at how little they were, and how their voices sounded, and by all of the cute things they were doing. I had forgotten so many precious moments and characteristics. My kids were so cute!
All of these moments had become a blur.
During this crazy busy season of motherhood, we tend to be in survival mode. It doesn’t matter how old your kids are, there are always stressors. Diapers leaking, kids fighting, teenagers pushing the limit. So it can be really difficult to take the time to savor the stage that you’re in, enjoy your child/children and be fully present in the moment.
I’ve gotten so much well-meaning advice from older women who have told me to “enjoy them while you can” and “they grow up so fast!” While these statements are absolutely true, and I have no doubt that I will also be giving out this advice at some point, it is so hard to do this!
When you’re in the trenches of motherhood, it’s hard to notice the amazing changes that happen each with your kids. I used to get so annoyed because I was so tired of playing children’s music all of the time and watching Sesame Street. Now that my kids are “too old” for those things, I miss them!
Watching those videos reminded me that I need to try to be more mindful of all of the little moments of joy throughout the day. It’s definitely not an easy thing to do, especially when those little moments of joy are surrounded by much bigger moments of yelling, arguing, crying, screaming, talking back…well, you get the picture! Yet, cultivating some mindfulness into your day is still a worthwhile pursuit and will benefit you on so many levels.
Mindfulness is the practice of using your mind and body to be present in the moment. Practicing mindfulness can help us to gain focus, perspective, be aware of our bodies and our surroundings, release tension and stress, and become more aware of the blessings that we have in our lives.
3 Tips on how to cultivate mindful moments with your kids
#1 Try to focus on one thing each day that you really enjoy doing with your kids, or something that you enjoy watching them do
- Whether it’s a spontaneous dance party, a movie night, a family board game, or watching your baby learn to crawl or giggle when your tickle them – choose one moment and try to be really present.
- Use your senses to take everything in that is happening during this moment. What do you see? What do you smell? What do you hear? Go through each of the five senses during the moment and observe each element.
#2 One-on-one time
- Whether you have one child or seven, it is really nice for both child an parent to get some one-on-one interaction. Take them somewhere quiet, where you can really talk to them and enjoy their presence. Try to stay off of your phone and really engage.
- If you have a baby or young toddler, rock them before bed. This does not have to be every night (unless you want it to be). Rocking or snuggling with a baby or small child is one of the sweetest moments that you can choose to savor. Again, use your senses to really absorb everything.
#3 Breathing
- When things get crazy and the kids are arguing and you’re starting to lose your cool, sit down with them and do some quiet breathing.
- Keep it simple. In through your nose, out through your mouth. Say this out loud with your kids. Make sure that you are all breathing slowly. Focus on your belly rising up with each breath. Feel the stress start to melt away.
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