As a parent of a preschooler, it can be a good day if no one got seriously injured, everyone had decent meals, and somehow children are nestled snug in their beds at the end of the day. All of that is totally okay and normal.
With that out of the way, today’s post is just one about balance. We all try to achieve it, but often feel it’s just out of reach. I want to remind you that balance is often just a state of mind. The trick is to enjoy both the pains and joys of your preschooler in the moment. That means focus on what’s happening and really listening to them, but not to overdo it. In other words living in the moment doesn’t mean that moment only revolves around your child.
This is a nice post about learning from your child, how to live in the moment.
http://www.vincegowmon.com/6-ways-children-live-in-the-present-moment/
It can be surprisingly easy to turn your life into serving your child’s life. This is where balance comes in. Enjoy learning from your child. Enjoy living n the moment with your child. But, be sure to enjoy some of your own interests independent of your child. It’s not always easy to do, but this an important life lesson for your child. If your child grows up thinking everything revolves around him or her, your child will likely have some difficulty with empathy and other social skills that are not only required for a happy life, but often are required in order to become a kind person. Children who think the world revolves around them, become adults who expect people to cater to their every whim.
So, a little bit of time each day, or each week, for yourself is not you being selfish – rather, it’s you getting some balance in your life and helping your child to understand that you are an individual with your own needs. By the time your child is a preschooler, you should be able to have your time for your interest (whatever it may be) while your child can play or use their art box independently. It may take a little getting used to and it may not happen everyday, but it’s important to say, “This is my reading time, we’ll work on dinner together when I’m done.” Or whatever the case may be. If you also have a baby in the house, even a short time to pursue your interests may well require help from another adult, but it is important to find a way to schedule some time for yourself. You are your child’s first and most remembered teacher. If you want your child to lead a balanced life then you need to give them that example. You will enjoy the time with you preschooler even more if you have a little balance in your life!
