I’ve never much been one for bedtime stories.
By the time bedtime arrived, especially when my kids were small, reading a book was more of a chore than a sweet nighttime routine. I was always exhausted and as ready for bed as they were.
Besides, reading books in our house always meant questions. My children engage in books – and for that I am grateful – but this has never allowed for a quiet story before sleep.
Earlier in the day though, I am happy to read. With children now aged 8 and 10, I am incredibly thankful that they still enjoy having an occasional book read to them.
Plus now, they sometimes read them to me.
10 Ways My Children Help me to be in the Moment
1. The moments my son and daughter were born. I didn’t know what it meant to be in the moment until then.
2. Giggles. No matter what I am doing, hearing giggling children makes me smile.
3. Hugs. Those little arms around you, the smell of their hair, that no-greater-love-on-earth feeling. How could I think of anything else when hugging my child?
4. Checking on them while they sleep. The day’s stresses simply vanish when I watch them in dreamland.
5. Tantrums. There is nothing like a wailing child to make you forget everything else!
6. Dancing. If you can call it dance. More like jumping around the room and flinging my arms in the air with my kids. But the music is on and the moment is carefree.
7. Reading books together.
8. Imaginative play. I never tire of listening to their creative dialogue and make-believe lands.
9. Playgrounds. Swinging is just plain fun.
10. Goodnight kisses.
I set my alarm for 6:00 am, every day. Even in the summer.
I do this for a few reasons: To get the most out of my day, to write, and because I love mornings. I especially love quiet mornings, before the kids are up and there are things to do, places to go. If I’m lucky, I get an hour; sometimes, I might get fifteen minutes. Today is especially quiet.
Just me, my coffee, and my thoughts.
The kids and I contented ourselves with pencil crayons and colouring books while waiting for family to arrive at the campground.
It was a treasured moment with children that are quickly growing and gathering new interests. It was shared time, quiet conversation, and the sweet simplicity of colouring within the lines.
I don’t sing in public. Ever.
My kids tell me my singing voice is terrible, and ask me not to sing in the car. But I love to sing, and do it anyway. Just not around anyone outside of my family.
Yesterday, while walking on the beach, though, the kids and I broke into song: “Five Green and Speckled Frogs”.
It was fun and not the least bit embarrassing. (Strong winds and no one else in sight probably helped.)
Maybe I should sing more and care less.
In a Snap 