Life can be demanding and busy. But parenting can sometimes seem to complicate such issues. It is a very common feeling that we do not have enough time. Do you usually think on “How do you slow down time to enjoy with kids?”
When someone asks you how you are doing, do you answer “I am keeping busy?” Most of us feel overwhelmed and especially mothers. Looking back at the time when we were just kids, wandering, playing, exploring, and making the best of the time in the world – was that all for real? Just looks like the feeling of the magical childhood disappeared in this busy crazy adult world.
And then there are holidays when you are ready with a priority, long-time pending to-do list. We can understand this is important, but we fail to comprehend how much we are losing every single minute of the day without spending quality time with our families. Sometimes, you just want to say “no” but end up saying “yes” for a lot of other things.
Are we trying to take away the magical time from our kid’s life as well? Don’t you think the families are moving at a hysterical pace, leaving no “family time” at all? Sending off kids to the school, picking them at 4:30 PM, feeding them, driving them to the activity centre and by the time they are done, back home and tired, they just finish their homework to go off to bed after dinner. Mothers are running around the town to do everything they can and end up complaining they have no “me-time”. Planning turns out to be a nightmare. And with this pace, kids might as well end up having stress-related problems is common amongst the adults.
Everyone feels like owning a time machine to go back and do things better! But, unless NASA (R) really comes up with one, let us follow the below few tips to live life in the present and the fullest. It is only how you take life to be defined if it is busy, hectic, demanding or beautifully organized. By changing our perspective, changes the whole experience of life.
1. Think from your kid’s perspective at least once, while running errands:
When you are running the busy schedule every day, take a breather in between. Understand the day from your toddler’s perspective and allow time to have fun. Although, you still do all that needs to be done for the day but plan your day better, such that your kid enjoys the day equally as much as you! For instance, you will still walk the kid to the bus stop like every other morning but you might think what your kid enjoys while walking on the street, like to count the number of cars parked or clap each time you see a bird flying etc. Involving with your kids in such a simple act of fun helps you to connect with them better and enjoy the smaller things in life. Few more things you can do with your kids while running errands:
i. Let the kid push the buttons in the elevator and let him unlock the car for a day.
ii. Jump over all the cracks on the way. The kid enjoys doing it but loves it more when the parent involves in this.
iii. Observe petty things, like an insect or the ant crawling on the wall. Learn about how they coordinate amongst themselves etc. Try different things every time.
iv. Stop at the grocery store to get your kid the chocolates/ anything that they want even though you do not have a list of things to buy. This is more like giving personal time to them as you are not splitting it shopping your own list.
v. Run around the parking area looking at the new cars and their makers.
2. Things to do at home with kids and family:
Although you will not usually have enough time at home, when you do, spend it in a memorable way!
i. Spend some time drawing with kids. Let them draw their thoughts, ask them what it means. Not only will you be amused to see their imagination, but also will relax your day having a quality fun time with kids.
ii. Let them help to make dinner. Even if it is going to take literally double the time, it shouldn’t matter. Kids will be thrilled to help and in turn, eat more food than usual.
iii. Read them one or more book, could be any time of the day.
iv. Involve them in your chores. Read more how here
v. Schedule in cheat-days. It is okay sometimes to cut off from your busy schedule and do nothing to slow down the time to enjoy with kids. Rest, relax, soothe and spend quality time with kids. Go for a walk with the family into the woods and explore some new things.
vi. Do not bring work back home. It is okay to check emails twice a day. Resist the feeling of checking your phone all the time. Focus and clear the mental clutter to do other things you always wanted to do in free-time.
vii. Plan an extra special bath for the kids. Instead of getting them out of the water as early as possible, let them soak in and relax. Replenish warm water if the water turns cold; pamper them as much as you can.
viii. Do not squeeze in things to fit into your schedule. It leads to more of stress and exhaustion. Things can wait, prioritize and plan to do it the right way instead of overtiring yourself.
ix. Balance a busy day with a calm day following it. If you have had a big, fun, exciting day with family, relax the next day. Too many back-to-back events not only lose the charm of the party or event but also mentally tire you.
x. Believe in yourself and stop doubting. Enjoy your breath, air, kids touching or playing with you. Notice every small thing around you with the kid. Learn a valuable lesson.
Let us know the things you follow to be able to slow down time and enjoy with kids and family. We love hearing from you, please write to us and share ahead.
