What’s the rush? Parents slow down!
This is something that I’ve been guilty of, as I imagine have a lot of other parents. You’re not alone and I’m by no means having a go. I’m hardly in the position to do so as I’m often the one rushing around!
What am I talking about?
The way in which our children learn and explore their environment, and the world around them. I was driving home from work a few days ago and whilst sat at the traffic lights I noticed a lady with a small child. Although she was pushing a trike, it appeared that her child preferred to walk.
He was only little, probably 18 months, perhaps two years. As her child walked, quite wobbly in doing so, he stopped to look at a green electricity box. Clearly fascinated, the boy started pointing toward it and pulling his mother’s top at the same time.
The mum didn’t take much notice and just hurried her son along. It’s so easy to do and I know I’m guilty of doing this too!
It was a hot day, the lady was carrying a rather large bag on her shoulder, pushing an empty trike and trying to keep her child safe and away from the road. I can totally understand why she didn’t stop.
It did get me thinking though. In today’s world everyone is in a rush. No-one has the time to do anything nowadays. With online shopping meaning people can get their groceries delivered to their door instead of going out and spending an hour or two doing it in-store why would you when you can click a few buttons and have someone else do it for you?
It’s the society that we live in now. Even McDonalds, the fast food giant, has introduced table service because it appears we’re a nation breeding laziness!
I think it’s time we all perhaps tried to slow down a little. Granted a green electricity box isn’t exciting, but it sparked this child’s curiosity and imagination. Maybe if we all slowed down, we could find the time to stop and look with our child. To talk about what the little green box was and then continue on their journey home.
It’s something I’m trying to do more of. Slowing down, not rushing, trying to be patient. Walking the long way home from the park because the girls want to walk past the river and throw sticks in it, even though I’m tired and would rather walk the quick way home.
Playing with dolls for hours, putting on the silly voice and making up pretend scenarios for Barbie and her friends because M says she likes the voices I do and she likes playing with me. Who am I to deny her of the joy of playing with her mummy? Granted talking dolls is pretty boring for me, but for her it’s all about imagination, creativity and learning.
Sure, it can be hard to find the time. It can be boring and we may be in a rush, but sometimes it’s the little things in life that turn out to be the most precious, treasured moments. Don’t miss them because you’re in a rush!
2 Comments
Katie Davies
November 9, 2016 at 6:59 am
It is quite sad really isn’t it. When my husband and I went for a meal the other week there were three families in the room and all the adults yes literally all of them were playing on their phones while some of the kids sat there bored and others were running around while.
I’m glad we grew up before all of this!
Katie Davies
November 9, 2016 at 7:01 am
We need to make sure we make time for our children by putting away technology and slowing down to look at the little things.
I want my children to remember me as a parent who gave them quality time