Our kids grow up so fast. It’s hard not to wish for time to slow down. In this episode of the iMOM Podcast, Megan’s story about her son asking her to stop putting toys away will remind you how precious these days are.
When we hear “You only have 18 summers together!” or “Don’t blink,” moms often feel guilty or overwhelmed by the idea of making the most of each second. We feel like we must take pictures nonstop, hug our kids if they’re within arms reach, or attend every practice, game, or event. And that’s just not healthy or physically possible. So what can we do to make the most of the time so it can feel like it’s moving a little less rapidly?
In this case, the answer is really more about what not to do. One thing is to pull the reins on things that encourage our kids to grow up too quickly. Is your child ready for the PG-13 movie you loved as a kid? Maybe, but why not find another movie you want to watch that skews younger? Save the memory-making for when he’s older.
When your kids want to play, find non-electronic toys or games. We all know how quickly time flies when we’re looking at a screen. Sometimes that’s a good thing, but if your kids want to play with you, doing something low-tech can really help you connect and make a memory. So go outside and play HORSE at the basketball hoop or open a box of crayons and color together.
A great way to make time slow down is to take a few things off the calendar. If you’re rushing everywhere, the days will fly by. Being bored together and taking a slower pace now and then might feel awkward at first, but it will shift your focus from what you’re doing to the people you’re with.
Articles We Mentioned
10 Ways to Make Time Slow Down
3 Ways to Keep Your Kids From Growing Up Too Fast
5 Times You Should Say ‘Wait’ to Your Child
Should Moms Say “My Kids Are My World?”
Printables We Think You’ll Like
What do you do to slow time down with your kids? What helps you be more intentional?
