Parenting can often feel like a race against time, but it’s vital to pause and allow our children to truly experience the world around them, even if it means taking a bit longer to get from one place to another. My 4-year-old, Max, has recently entered a phase where he’s captivated by nature. After a fun unit on plants and seeds at preschool, he’s been eager to explore the outdoors, helping me with gardening and voraciously devouring books from the library about flora (which is a good thing since I’m not well-versed in plant names).
His fascination has transformed into a delightful obsession, and whenever we step outside, he’s quick to point out every bug, twig, or flower he encounters. I also have a 10-year-old, Jake, who has adopted the typical older brother attitude. As I savor these moments with Max, I can’t help but think that soon enough, he’ll grow out of this innocent wonder, just like Jake did.
However, as endearing as Max’s curiosity is, it can make outings feel drawn out and test my patience. For instance, during our walk to school today, it took us an eternity just to get out the door. Max found a stick and began tapping it against a tree until it snapped. Just a few steps later, he spotted a clover, which he insisted was a shamrock. By the time we reached the street corner, he noticed a “burr tree” (which is actually an evergreen), and I had to gently remind him that we couldn’t venture off the path to investigate it. His frustration was palpable, and Jake, exasperated, urged, “I need to get to school!”
I tried to keep us moving, but that one-block walk to preschool ended up taking a full ten minutes. Along the way, we passed a stunning garden filled with vibrant flowers that Max simply had to examine closely. While I was anxiously watching the clock, I couldn’t help but notice the sheer joy radiating from him as he immersed himself in nature’s beauty. His happiness contrasted sharply with my own rising stress levels.
In that moment, I realized how important it is for us, as parents, to let go of the constant busyness and simply be present with our children. It’s all too easy for us to get caught up in our responsibilities—planning meals, organizing schedules, and managing our homes—while forgetting to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. We juggle so many roles: caregiver, chef, teacher, and more, that we often overlook the joy of just being a parent.
Despite my best intentions, I find it challenging to remain in the moment. I’m often lost in thoughts about what needs to be done next, even during mundane tasks like washing dishes or preparing for the upcoming week. However, I’ve made a conscious effort to slow down during our walks to school. I strive to put aside my to-do list and engage with Max as he explores. After all, does it truly matter if he’s a few minutes late to preschool? Missing that time for work is probably not as critical as the joy those moments bring him.
These seemingly trivial moments are crucial for our children. They shape what they learn to value in life. Will Max remember the toys he had, or will he cherish the times we lingered together, allowing him to marvel at a flower or chase after a butterfly? I fondly recall similar moments from my own childhood when my parents took time to be fully present with me.
In our busy lives, it’s essential to recognize that our children just need us to be there, to share in their wonder for a few minutes. So, parents, take a moment today. Set aside your tasks and spend some time simply being with your child. Let them show you the beauty of the roses.
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Summary:
Taking a moment to appreciate the world around us is vital for our children’s development and happiness. As busy parents, we must strive to slow down and engage with our kids, allowing them to explore and enjoy the beauty of nature. These moments, while seemingly insignificant, can have a lasting impact on their memories and values.