As a sole parent of 3, working and studying from home, it’s fair to say on a normal day I’m pretty busy and distracted. I’m also not the type to play Barbies on the floor for hours and I’m definitely not into arts and crafts. This all leads to the inevitable mother guilt and I worry I don’t spend enough “quality” time with my kids.
I have a tendency to overcompensate, trying to give them all I can, both in experiences and material items.
But videos like this one remind me that quality time doesn’t need to be extravagant or expensive. It can just be a normal day.
Kids have such a different perspective than adults and are much better at finding joy in the simple pleasures in life. They can see the magic in the mundane.
My kids love it when we all climb into my bed for a snuggle. They love it when I let them help me cook or take care of our multitude of pets. They even like sitting in my office watching me work, writing their own stories or colouring in.
Really, they just love being with me. How magic is that?
As parents we fall into the trap of thinking we need to give our kids the world to ensure their present and future happiness. However, all the expensive holidays, extra curricular activities and latest gadgets in the world won’t make a kid happy if they don’t have that feeling of connection with their parents.
Its the simple things that make them feel loved, secure and treasured that stick with them and make the most impact.
I think adults could learn a lot from children about the important things in life.
I’m going to start by living in the moment with my kids and let them show me the magic in the mundane.
