I had two kids in three years and we went very few places. It’s difficult to carry an infant, the hand of your toddler, and maneuver your way through a parking lot or store without worrying. Venturing out into the public was very exhausting, stressful, and overwhelming.
I remember people telling me “cherish every moment” because they grow fast, but at that very moment you don’t realize how true that statement really is. You’re more focused on getting in and out of the store before your kids cause a scene. I know we have all dealt with our children throwing a temper-tantrum in the store a time or two (or fifty LOL).
It wasn’t until recently that it hit me, I know what they mean now. I feel like my life is just flying by and I can’t keep up. Sometimes I have to remind myself that time is precious and we can’t get it back. Make memories while you can.
Before I know it, my kids will be out on their own, and I don’t want to look back one day and have regrets. I’m not going to lie, the thought of that just breaks my heart. So, for now, I will work on being more patient and not expect too much from them.
Now this doesn’t mean that I will stop enforcing rules or discipline in the way I see fit. This don’t mean I will enjoy the ‘stages’ all of our children go through. What this means is that I will enjoy their innocence-it’s fleeting.
Soon I will be losing sleep because they’re out past their curfew. Soon someone will attempt to give them alcohol and/or drugs, and I won’t be there to help steer them in the right direction. Soon I’ll be helping them pack up for college – I will be sad, but happy that they’re off to bigger and better things.
I will look back when my kids are older and remember the times they used to stand on the ottoman, like it was some kind of stage or something, and tell us jokes, dance, or sing us silly songs.
We can’t let the ‘everyday chaos‘ keep us from cherishing the very little time we do have with our children.
“Cherish the moments today – tomorrow they will be memories.”
the REAL life 