Life is busy. For stay-at-home moms, working moms, work-from-home moms, or any other kind of mom, life is rushing by. If you are like me, you are trying to capture the gloriously ordinary moments in your child's life. In the chaos, I find myself desperately attempting not to miss any special moment or skip any milestone. Here are some tips I utilize to help myself slow down, and make motherhood moments matter for my family:
Set a Timer
Set aside time daily, to spend with your child, by setting a timer for yourself. Even if you are around your child a lot, consider how often you are giving them your undivided attention.
Decide how long you want to set your timer. During this time, ONLY allow yourself to be in the moment with your family. For me, I refrain from checking my phone, working, daydreaming of all of the things I need to accomplish, or anything else that might distract me. Your only goal is to enjoy the moment you have right now -- this very moment.
Children want their parent's time and attention. Giving them your complete attention will communicate that they matter to you. They are worth more than your to-do list, more than making dinner, or checking your email. They mean more.
When you take the time to soak in every second of this time, you will be glad you did.
Be Intentional
What makes your child laugh? What do they enjoy doing? How can you connect with them? Whatever the answers are to those questions, do them. Be intentional about making time to connect with your child. Have a tickle fight. Build a fort. Have a playful wrestling match. Dance like a buffoon.
Ask Questions
Find out what is happening in your child's life by asking them questions, and then genuinely listening. Even the youngest of talking children will have topics they are eager to discuss. You communicate that you value your children when you take the time to listen to what they have to say.
Be Still
Take a moment to be still. Look into their eyes, hold their hand, snuggle them, if they will let you. Hold onto them and remember that they will only be this little for a short time.
Tell Them Something Meaningful
Tell them why you are proud of them. Tell them something they did well. Even the most challenging children have something they can do well. Let them know you notice them. You believe in them. You value them. You love them.
Make a Memory
Try something new together. Cook, bake, or build something. Create a painting together. When you do it, remember the goal is that you are bonding with your child. If it makes a mess or gets burnt, it's all just part of creating a memory.
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You can follow Amy Lu on Facebook, or by visiting her website makingmotherhoodmatter.com.