Have you noticed there seems to be such a rush to get everything done? Why the rush? Are you intending to be on this amazing planet of ours for a short time?
This even applies to parenting. Each age group will present itself with its own set of challenges... and of course its own set of rewards. I don't know about you, but that's exciting!
Thinking back to when my own children were babies, which seems such a long time ago, especially as I know have a son who towers over me. (It is hard to look back and think of them being so small at times). I remember wanting them to walk, talk and do everything. It seemed as soon as each of them reached one milestone we were already eagerly awaiting the next one. I will admit it, there were times I felt a little anxious when my child wasn't quite up to where all the other babies or toddlers were... and I know I'm not the only one guilty of this. Especially the first time around.
The thing I now understand is that we all get there. Whether someone's child speaks earlier than your child honestly doesn't matter. If we continually look forward and not enjoy who they are now, then we are wishing their life away. Don't get me wrong, I have been a parent. I know how exciting it is; the first word, when they start crawling, talking and walking. Instead of searching and reaching for the next milestone, stop and enjoy the miracle that is being presented. The next milestone will come when it is ready, when your beautiful son and daughter is ready. Not when you are.
And of course this doesn't simply apply to our babies and toddlers either.
When I think about my nearly eldest 16 year old son, I still wonder how we got here. I also appreciate how precious each moment is that I have with him (or my other two children). Over the past few days I have been at the State Age Swimming Championships with my son. He has had a rather full program with six individual events and three relays. Of course everyone who competes would love to win a medal, but when you are racing in an event with up to 70 other people, only a small few will go home with them.
It was really encouraging to see, in such a competitive environment, they level of support from both their parents and coaches; no matter where they finished. For many this is the first step of a very long road which may take years. For some, this is the end of the road. For others they are embarking on a rather fast paced highway. But wherever they are in their swimming journey, they have all achieved something, most of us won't. Instead of focusing on the future, let's celebrate what they are doing and achieving now.
When we do that in our own lives, and we show our children, their self-worth rockets. Sure it is important to look to the future and set goals, but it is equally important to enjoy each and every moment that got us there.
Felicity Baker is a mindset expert, author and speaker who specialises in empowering children and the child within us all. Her website Joyful Horizons for Kids is the #1 Single Resource For Parents On Creating Strong and Positive Self-Esteem In Their Kids Today and In The Future.
Felicity's "NO THEORY ONLY" philosophy means that everything she recommends has already been "tested" with her own children and the results are positive and proven.
For a FREE Video Series on Building Your Child's Self-Esteem visit http://joyfulhorizonsforkids.com/freevideo
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