As I was reading the April Ensign this evening I came across an article entitled "The Joy of Nurturing Children." This article is split into three sections, each one written from a different mother about a different aspect of motherhood. The first mothers thoughts really hit a cord with me and I would like to share my thoughts on it with you.
This mother talks about the Gifts of Memories. She talks about what a pain it is to take the family camping, even for one night, because of all the work it requires. She wonders if it is really worth it until her daughter comments on how much fun she has camping with the family. She then goes on to talk about how at these early stages of life and motherhood we are building memories, not just trying to endure another "camping trip."
She also talks about how valuable building these memories are for her children. She states, "I wasn't just rearing children; I was preparing a future generation of parents- a generation that would need all the positive experiences I could give them to cope with an increasingly challenging world. Was it possible that children who have a better childhood will be better parents?"I had never thought of it that way before. There is a reason for struggling through the long road trips, the cold trips to Sea World, and the expensive trips to the zoo. We are planting seeds of memories that our children will take with them as parents.
I know some of you feel the same way and have expressed your appreciation to your own parents for building memories when you were little... my friend, Lis, has talked about incorporating little mini vacations into her own family because she remembers them being such happy memories from when she was little. I, too, remember camping with my family as a child, spending holidays with extended relatives, playing catch and frisbee for FHE , taking long walks with my mom, and doing other things as a family that I hope to pass on to my children. I guess I had never taken the next step to think that the happy memories I pass on to my children would be passed down to my grandchildren. What an amazing thought!
This article also talks about serving others with your children close at hand. I always wonder, "when will Beth be old enough to help me with this...or old enough that I can teach her that." You all are examples to me. I read on a lot of your blogs that you cook, clean, serve, do charts, and other neat things with your toddlers instead of waiting until they are old enough to understand. I appreciate your examples to me of building memories.
In Conference last week the point stuck out to me that we need to be enjoying our children TODAY instead of waiting for them to be older. They will grow up so fast. I have tried to enjoy the little things this week, such as rocking Izzy at night, explaining to Beth who the man on the cover of the Ensign is, and spending an afternoon just hangin' out with my family. It's so hard sometimes to remember to enjoy the little things of life, especially when you are always thinking about what needs to be done or what needs to be planned.
If you have not read this article this month I would strongly recommend it. Like I said, the first section really hit me and I just wanted to share it with you. Thank you once again for being great examples to me of great mothers. Keep up the good work.
This mother talks about the Gifts of Memories. She talks about what a pain it is to take the family camping, even for one night, because of all the work it requires. She wonders if it is really worth it until her daughter comments on how much fun she has camping with the family. She then goes on to talk about how at these early stages of life and motherhood we are building memories, not just trying to endure another "camping trip."
She also talks about how valuable building these memories are for her children. She states, "I wasn't just rearing children; I was preparing a future generation of parents- a generation that would need all the positive experiences I could give them to cope with an increasingly challenging world. Was it possible that children who have a better childhood will be better parents?"I had never thought of it that way before. There is a reason for struggling through the long road trips, the cold trips to Sea World, and the expensive trips to the zoo. We are planting seeds of memories that our children will take with them as parents.
I know some of you feel the same way and have expressed your appreciation to your own parents for building memories when you were little... my friend, Lis, has talked about incorporating little mini vacations into her own family because she remembers them being such happy memories from when she was little. I, too, remember camping with my family as a child, spending holidays with extended relatives, playing catch and frisbee for FHE , taking long walks with my mom, and doing other things as a family that I hope to pass on to my children. I guess I had never taken the next step to think that the happy memories I pass on to my children would be passed down to my grandchildren. What an amazing thought!
This article also talks about serving others with your children close at hand. I always wonder, "when will Beth be old enough to help me with this...or old enough that I can teach her that." You all are examples to me. I read on a lot of your blogs that you cook, clean, serve, do charts, and other neat things with your toddlers instead of waiting until they are old enough to understand. I appreciate your examples to me of building memories.
In Conference last week the point stuck out to me that we need to be enjoying our children TODAY instead of waiting for them to be older. They will grow up so fast. I have tried to enjoy the little things this week, such as rocking Izzy at night, explaining to Beth who the man on the cover of the Ensign is, and spending an afternoon just hangin' out with my family. It's so hard sometimes to remember to enjoy the little things of life, especially when you are always thinking about what needs to be done or what needs to be planned.
If you have not read this article this month I would strongly recommend it. Like I said, the first section really hit me and I just wanted to share it with you. Thank you once again for being great examples to me of great mothers. Keep up the good work.
3 comments:
I agree that we need to enjoy our kids more. It does go so quickly! Thanks for your thoughts, I'll have to read this article. Oh, and Happy Birthday! I know you understand why I didn't do this sooner, but just know I didn't forget!
I love you!
Thank you for these thoughts! I went and read the article right after reading your post. It was truly what I needed this week!
By the way...I am one of Ann's friends. I hope you don't mind if I stop by your blog here and there(it's nice to have something to read while nursing at 2 am)!
Post a Comment