Last week I wrote about the 32 things I had lost since becoming a mom. This post follows up on that by mirroring those things with what I have gained in their stead. I have to say that at this point in my life, this list is by far the better one.
- movies, I get to watch some fabulous children’s films without anyone judging me..after all, Mom has to be there!
- family dinners with giggles and laughter
- planned and organised drinks out which include a child friendly venue
- staying up late and feeling needed and loved at 3am when your child is upset by a dream or not feeling well and you are the only one who can make it better.
- lazy weekend ly ins with tickling and snuggling children who creep in for early morning hugs
- reading children’s books and enjoying sharing them with my children
- crazy making sessions using everyday items as craft supplies and seeing the joy on my children’s faces as we create together
- more time for other things because I no longer bother to watch telly
- learning to hold text conversations
- Less financial income but lots more precious irreplaceable time with my children
- learning to prioritise what laundry needs doing
- Sharing the children with my husband and enjoying them together
- realising that a clean and tidy house is a lot less important than a happy and healthy child
- noise, fun, laughter, busy
- finding things in interesting and amusing places
- knowing that a messy toy-filled bathroom means I am blessed to have children
- creative storage ideas finding a place for extra bedding, winter clothes, toys, books…
- a more creative, super efficient and organised grocery list
- knowing and feeling the pleasure of how to make a meal out of almost nothing that everyone likes
- ponytails and a fresh face
- catching up with playground news while on the toilet or showering
- seeing the hand prints and smudges on the walls lets me know that our home is lived in
- seeing my husbands attention and focus on our children warms my heart
- booking and going on holidays that have fabulous activities for all the family to enjoy together
- spending uninterrupted time with my family on holiday without thinking about chores and other distractions
- traveling with prams, car seats, 1000 ( OK so I exaggerate) nappies, and getting to share in the wonder of discovering new places together
- shopping with multiple trips to the toilet (for the kids) means I spend less time and money in shops
- shorter shopping trips or none at all
- no time wasting wandering around browsing and seeing things I can’t afford, instead using the time to be with the family.
- exercising whenever I can fit it in around everyone else and doing it for free
- having a list of helpful babysitters on my contacts list
- hilarious, exhausting and often awe inspiring children’s company everyday
I am sure that you have a similar list to mine and that sometimes things are tough. I just look at this list and say thank you for all those smudged walls, sleepless nights, cuddles and hours I have with my children…because before I look again, they’ll have flown the nest and I’ll be wishing I had these 32 things back in my life.
I am a preschool and primary school teacher and mum to 3 children. I have been involved in education since 1997 and have trained in a variety of educational specialist areas. It is with this expertise that I write articles to help parents and educators provide quality learning experiences for the children in their care.
