Monday, November 1, 2010

Slow Down You Move Too Fast...

...You got to make the morning last.
Just kicking down the cobble stones.
Looking for fun and feelin' groovy.

Simon & Garfunkel were on to something for sure. I am a busy mom. I like to be busy. I have a daily to-do list and from sun up to sun down Little Miss and I are usually on the move. Errands, cleaning, play dates, library, taking daddy lunch...the list goes on.

If I'm not productive, I'm usually not happy. But...there is a need to slow down and if you're as OCD as I am - you can even schedule in down time on your to-do list so you have something to check off. =)

Our kids need us to slow down. They need unstructured playtime, randomness, variety, choices. Once in awhile let them choose what to do. Whether you can give them half an hour or half a day - let them be in charge. You'll be surprised with what they come up with!


Little Miss and I like to hit up the local bread shop for a slice of free bread, sit outside, and watch the cars go by. I also like to let her direct the conversation - it's fun to hear the things she has to say. Giving her 100% of my attention does wonders for her self-esteem and for our close bond. She knows she is loved when I give her my time.

And sometimes when she naps, instead of getting things done, I take time out for me and I even sneak into her room once in awhile to watch her sleep...


There is nothing like watching your 2 year old sleep - especially on a hard day - to help remind you of just how great being a mom is. What a blessing these little ones are! Tantrums and all.

What will you do this week to slow down?

{sidenote: this advice also works on strengthening marriages - give you husband 100% of your attention and some time everyday, listen to him, don't nag, just chill, enjoy being together, let him decide what to watch on TV or where to go - it's amazing what giving someone your time and attention will do!}

3 comments:

  1. i just looked at my kid today and said "stop growing up, would you?" and he's only 2 weeks! i'm gonna be a mess when he's a year!

    also, there was someone at dillards that i worked with who sang that section of that song just about every day. ah, memories.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I have to laugh because I wrote a similar post this week...even with the same title!

    It's always wonderful to be reminded of this, and I'm afraid I've been running much faster than I can lately.

    (visiting from MMB)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I've found that busy doesn't necessarily mean productive all the time. Some times my most important productive times are the times when I'm sitting perfectly still.

    ReplyDelete

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