“Parenting: The days are long, years are short”
Anonymous
We live in a very ‘results driven’ world. Most of the things we do are measured by the outcome. What did we achieve? Was it a success? When it comes to raising a family it’s easy to fall into the same mindset. We can become so busy parenting wonderful, well-mannered children that we forget to enjoy the little people we are raising.
Don’t wish it away
I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that there are days when bedtime really can’t come soon enough. Yes, I know that may sound like a terrible thing to admit. I love my children dearly, however, some days my energy and patience run out long before it’s time for lights out. There are moments when ‘being mom’, especially to younger children, can really feel like more of job than a joy but as Mary Poppins said
“In every job that must be done there is an element of fun, you find the fun and *SNAP* the job’s a game”.
Parenting is no different. We should be enjoying not enduring these precious years with our children. So how do you find ways enjoy your kids? Here are a few things that may help:
Talk to them
As soon as your child is able to use words correctly, it’s amazing the conversations that you can have. Ask questions, talk about the their day. Discuss likes and dislikes, find out how they feel about things. It sounds incredibly simple but how often do we forget to engage in conversation. Meal times are a perfect opportunity for this, or even better, snuggling on the couch for a one-on-one catch up.
Watch them
It’s fun to engage with your child. Watching them engage with others and the world around them is just as rewarding. Take a moment to see how they play, explore and interact with other kids while they think no one is watching them. Witness them being themselves, the wonderful child you are helping to mold.
Play with them
Not all parents are excited about the prospect of play. For some people it just doesn’t energise them and can feel like a burden. If that’s you, find something that you and your child both love. It could be cooking or baking, having a tea party, looking at magazines, kicking a ball, exploring nature or jumping on a trampoline. It really doesn’t matter what play looks likes but having fun together and finding enjoyment in the same activity is magical.
Let go of them
This can be difficult. All parents want their kids to be well-behaved, have great social skills and be altogether lovely. The fact is sometimes we need to stop trying to raise or make our children and just let them be. Instead of always being in ‘parent mode’ sometime it’s better to let a few things slide and relax.
If you find yourself in a place where you’re so busy being the parent that you’ve forgotten how to enjoy the people you are parenting maybe it’s time to get to know your children. Being a parent is hard work, but there is an awful lot of joy in the journey if you remember to make time for it.