My 4-year-old, Max, has recently entered a delightful “nature enthusiast” phase. At preschool, they just wrapped up a unit on plants and seeds, and he’s been eagerly digging in the garden with me at home. We’ve even borrowed a stack of books from the library to satisfy his thirst for knowledge about every plant he encounters, which, let’s be honest, is a lot since I’m woefully uninformed in that area.
His interest has blossomed (pun intended!) into an all-consuming passion. When we step outside, it’s all about plants and nature — he’s a walking encyclopedia of flora! Meanwhile, my eye-rolling 10-year-old, Jake, is already way too cool for this kind of enthusiasm. I know I need to soak up every moment of Max’s innocent wonder before he gets swept up in the whirlwind of schoolyard sarcasm and starts rolling his eyes like his big brother.
Yet, as enchanting as this phase is, it means that every outing is an exercise in patience. Max can’t take a single step without stopping to marvel at a bug or pick up a twig, and while I want to be patient, it’s driving me a little crazy.
For instance, this morning’s walk to school was a test of endurance: just two steps from our door, he found a stick and began whacking it against a tree until it snapped. A few steps later, he spotted a “shamrock” (which, to him, is any clover), and halted to examine it. When we neared the corner, he spotted a “burr tree” (definitely just an evergreen) and insisted we check it out. I had to break the news that we couldn’t cross the street, which made him stomp his little feet in frustration.
Meanwhile, Jake was getting more annoyed by the minute, muttering, “I need to get to school,” through clenched teeth. So, I pulled Max along, trying to expedite our journey. We finally reached Jake’s school, and then we proceeded to walk the short distance to Max’s pre-K, which is just a block away.
That one-block trek took a whopping ten minutes (yes, I timed it). The church next to the school boasts a stunning garden filled with vibrant flowers, so I understand why he was eager to linger there. But I found it hard to keep my cool as I watched the minutes slip away, mentally calculating all the work I had to tackle once we got home (if I ever made it there).
In that moment, I became acutely aware of two competing emotions: my growing irritation and Max’s sheer joy. He was in absolute bliss, running through the flowers and burying his face in blooms. He was fully present, embodying the very essence of childhood — something we adults often forget how to do.
As much as I strive to be in the moment, being a busy parent means I’m often fixated on what’s next rather than appreciating what’s right in front of me. Even while washing dishes, I’m planning the next three meals. When I lay out my kids’ clothes for tomorrow, my mind wanders to the upcoming season and the endless shopping I’ll need to do. It’s exhausting, and I know I’m not alone. Many of us juggle so many roles — housekeeper, chef, teacher — that we forget to just be a parent.
But how often do we carve out time to simply be there for our kids? I can’t say I always succeed, but I’m making a conscious effort to embrace these moments during our walks to school. I’m trying to set aside the clock and my to-do list. In the grand scheme of things, does it really matter if he’s a few minutes late for school while the world around him blooms? What’s the worst that could happen if I miss ten minutes of work? Probably nothing that outweighs what those moments mean to him for a lifetime.
These seemingly trivial moments are incredibly significant for our kids. They define what we value in life and what truly matters. What will Max remember most about his childhood? The toys he owned or the times we meandered together, allowing him to pick flowers and marvel at nature?
These are the memories I cherish from my own childhood — when my parents paused their busy lives to be fully present with me. It’s all too easy to get lost in adulthood and overlook what truly counts. But our kids don’t require much; just a few minutes of our undivided attention can make a world of difference.
So, to all the parents out there, take a moment. Start today. Put aside your tasks for just a few minutes. Stop rushing from one obligation to another. Spend some time simply being with your child. Take a moment to breathe in the beauty of the world together.
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In summary, taking time to connect with our children amidst the chaos of our busy lives is invaluable. These moments of togetherness shape their memories and our relationships, teaching them the importance of cherishing life’s simple pleasures.