Enjoy your Children

I’ve had this post title sitting in my drafts for several months. This is a topic I’ve been mulling over for awhile now and I don’t have it all figured out but it’s something I wanted to write about.

Yesterday I took all the boy to the Science Museum, by myself. That’s something I never would have done just a year ago but I’m slowing taking on new tasks all the time. Motherhood changes you, it changes what you desire and what motivates you. It can be so easy to get caught up in all of the “to do” lists and social obligations that we forget to actually enjoy the whole process.

This time last year I was day dreaming about the day when all of my boys would be old enough that we could venture out together without a meltdown. I tend to hope for the future a little too much. I start to forget about the present. I guess it’s better than dwelling upon the past, but still.

I’m trying hard each day to be present. To enjoy each step of life including all of the hard parts. Parenting is work and work isn’t usually easy. But at the same time parenting is part of my life and I want to live my life to the fullest. I find that the biggest factor in creating a life that is full of joy is my attitude. Hard work can still be enjoyable if you have a positive attitude. This goes for anything, not just parenting. I try to teach my boys about having a good attitude and doing their work with a joyful heart. Like most things children learn through example.

I guess what I’m trying to say is the more time I spend with my children, the more I invest in their lives, the more I challenge myself to start each day with a positive attitude and joy in my heart, I find that I really enjoy my kids. I miss days where we aren’t together. I love to hear their stories, receive their hugs and watch them grow. I just really like my family.

Parenting isn’t always easy but it can be a can be a source of great joy if we allow it.