Rediscovering Magic: Embracing the World Through the Eyes of Our Children

Being a mother is often chaotic, hectic, and overwhelming. The ballet of Christmases, birthdays, vacations, and a trip to the grocery store is a whirlwind that demands constant planning and juggling. Each outing with my children feels like preparing for a military operation, complete with a checklist of must-haves—snacks, wipes, toys, and of course, diapers. Imagine arriving at the zoo and realizing those crucial items are missing!

Yet, children have this magical ability to make us slow down amid the frenzy. They possess an impactful curiosity and uncover magic in the simplest things—like a snowflake landing on their little nose or a puddle that calls for a jump.

Personal Story - feel free to skip

I realized how disconnected I had become from the magic around me. While writing a to-do list for Christmas, I asked my daughter what she wanted from Santa for Christmas. She then asked me what I wanted for Christmas - I responded by asking her what she thought I would want? I said, "What does Mommy like to do? What do you think I would want for Christmas?" her response made me stop and reflect. She responded by saying, "You love to clean the kitchen". Wow. How eye opening. I want my children to see that I enjoy much more than just cleaning the kitchen. We often focus so much on our end destination that we forget to enjoy the journey and everything in between.

The Hectic Reality of Motherhood

Rushing from one event to another in the blink of an eye is something I have grown accustomed to. Whether it’s coordinating the family brunch, planning a day at the zoo, or organizing a birthday party, I need an eagle-eye view of the calendar. Constant preplanning is necessary, but the key often boils down to that golden checklist. With the 50 "must-dos" floating around in my head I often lose sight of why I am doing these things. Why don't I get to fully enjoy the activities that I have planned for my family? Why am I in the background of every event anxiously organizing and orchestrating the fun everyone else is having?

Embracing Their Perspective

Our children possess a unique way of viewing the world. They are free from the heavy responsibilities of adulthood. When they witness the first snowfall of the season, their reactions are priceless. Their eyes widen, their smiles stretch from ear to ear - we need to give in and allow ourselves to fully embrace that joy.

As mothers, we often fall into the trap of rushing through life, lost in routines. But adopting our children’s perspective can offer a refreshing escape from adult stress. Instead of dragging them along on errands or hurrying them from one place to another, we should pause and immerse ourselves in the simple joys they discover.

The Wisdom of Children

Listening to the wisdom our children offer is something we need to cherish. They remind us to notice the little things we often overlook—the iridescence of a bubble, the sound of crickets singing in the evening, or the way raindrops dance on the pavement.

Being present in these moments cultivates a deeper bond with our children; enjoying the world together through their eyes—a colourful, vibrant place filled with beauty, potential, and boundless joy.

Finding Balance

As mothers, we sometimes become so caught up in ensuring our kids have the best experiences that we forget to truly participate in those moments ourselves. Our children will grow up before we know it, quickly engulfed by their own responsibilities.

We need to slow down and observe life with the wonder that once came so naturally. This includes indulging in our children's curiosity and responding to their requests, even when it means taking an unplanned detour.

Embracing the Little Moments

In the beautiful chaos of motherhood, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters—finding joy in the little things our children hold dear. As we navigate through the busyness of life, we can allow ourselves the grace to take a step back and listen to our children’s insights.

Let us embrace their curiosity and be enveloped by it. Our time with our children is fleeting; before we know it, they will be preoccupied with their own life's demands.

So let’s embrace the magic of motherhood and cultivate an environment where laughter, exploration, and wonder can thrive. Our children offer a glimpse into the extraordinary; let’s not let the opportunity to experience it slip away. Rediscovering joy means embracing life through the eyes of our children.