The Day I Stopped Telling My Kids to ‘Hurry Up’

home insemination Kit

You know how life can get overwhelming, right? Every minute feels like it has to be filled with tasks, notifications, or racing to the next event. I spent two chaotic years in that headspace, where my schedule dictated my every move. My days were a blur of rings, alerts, and a never-ending to-do list. Despite my best efforts, I was always behind.

Six years ago, I welcomed a wonderfully easy-going little girl into my life. Her carefree spirit was a stark contrast to my frantic nature. While I was ready to dash out the door, she was busy selecting the perfect purse or chatting with a stuffed animal. When I needed a quick lunch, she was making new friends with the elderly at Subway. Instead of rushing through our runs, she’d stop to admire every dog. And when breakfast was waiting, she wanted to crack eggs slowly.

Looking back, I realize how much I missed by focusing solely on my agenda. Every time she took her time, I found myself saying, “Hurry up!”—a phrase I uttered far too often. Morning or night, it was always the same. “Hurry up and eat your breakfast.” “Hurry up and brush your teeth.” Those words slipped from my lips more often than “I love you.”

But one day, everything shifted. After picking up my older daughter from school, she sighed and told her sister, “You’re so slow.” In that moment, I saw myself in her frustration. I was the one pushing my child to rush, missing out on the joy of simply being.

With a heavy heart, I apologized to my younger daughter, expressing my admiration for her pace and promising to be more patient. Surprised, both girls seemed to sense a change. It was easy to stop saying “hurry up,” but developing the patience to match my child’s rhythm was a different story. I started giving her more time to get ready, and sometimes we were late. But I reassured myself that this phase wouldn’t last forever.

During our outings, I began allowing her to set the pace. When she wanted to stop and gaze at something, I made an effort to observe with her. I noticed her enthusiasm, her bright smile, and the beauty she found in small things. She was a true Noticer, and I realized she was a precious gift to my frenzied life.

This promise to slow down was made nearly three years ago, and I’m still working on it. Living at a slower pace requires effort, but my daughter is my constant reminder. Just the other day, while on vacation, we stopped for sno-cones. As she admired her treat, a worried expression crossed her face. “Do I have to rush, Mama?”

That moment struck a chord. I could either dwell on my past hurriedness or embrace a new approach. I chose to focus on today. “You don’t have to rush. Just take your time,” I said, and her face lit up. We spent that time enjoying each other’s company, talking and laughing as we took in the world around us.

When she finished her treat, she proudly offered me the last bite. I savored that precious moment and realized how much sweeter life is when we slow down and embrace the small joys. No more will I say, “We don’t have time for this,” because that’s like saying, “We don’t have time to live.”

Whether it’s picking flowers or simply enjoying a stroll, I’ve learned that pausing to appreciate life’s little wonders is the key to truly living.

For more insights and engaging stories, check out our other posts like this one. If you’re looking into family planning or pregnancy resources, this site offers great kits and information. Also, the CDC has excellent resources for those navigating pregnancy and home insemination.

Summary:

Morgan reflects on the hectic pace of life that led her to often rush her children, particularly her easy-going daughter. A pivotal moment made her realize the importance of savoring everyday experiences and embracing a slower pace. By allowing her daughter to set the rhythm, she discovered the beauty in small moments and the joy of simply being together.