Do you ever just catch yourself looking out the window? Daydreaming…thinking of all the things that you could or should be doing? It’s time to stop thinking and day dreaming and do something.
While my little one naps I’m in need of taking a minute to stop, snuggle up with a cuppa and to listen to the rain. It’s when I finally stop like this for those few magical moments of mummy-me-time that I start to think about all the things I should or could be doing. I don’t mean the washing up or ironing or painting over all the scuff marks on the walls. I mean the things that make being a mum fun. Planning those little moments of discovery and amazement when my little on sees, hears or feels something that blows his little mind!
I’ve always been a fair-weather type of person. If it’s hot and sunny i’m outside and the rest of the time, even on a sunny but chilly day I’m firmly wrapped up in my comfies and in the warmth and dry of home. Being a mum has taught me that I can no longer cling to my comforts and it’s time to get out and explore. As I sit with my cuppa day-dreaming of places to get out to, it strikes me that it’s actually simpler than we think.
I was blessed with a boy. A boy who loves being out in the fresh air, picking up sticks, rolling in the mud and being a home-removal guy for snails! He absolutely loves it and although it’s far from my idea of fun, the look on his little face it just magical. When he babbles to me saying ‘erdie’ every time he hears or sees a bird fly by, when he sees a frog and pretends to jump, when he picks up similar looking sticks and makes a pile of them it may seem like absolutely nothing but to him it’s a whole imaginary world of fun.
These early experiences are so crucial to children’s development and where we live is an abundance of missed opportunities. There is so much on our doorstep that we see and so much more that we don’t. Whether you have a garden, balcony or whether you go exploring for your adventures remember not to miss the little things.
We are so lucky to have parks, lakes, fields, hills and even a beach nearby and these places are perfect for little ones. Let your little one explore them in the sunshine and in the rain. But when you let them go off the beaten track and explore the things they would miss other wise it’s a whole new world of adventure. Look for the places where others don’t go and make them your own.
Going out with your little one doesn’t have to be about going far, going to a hotspot or spending money. There’s enough around where we live to explore, learn, grow and have some quality time together. Watch your little ones reactions and expressions, share their enthusiasm and revel in the memories your making.
Get your sun cream/welly-boots/umbrella ready and go make your family memories in a local area with far more to offer than you think.
Being Mum, Being Me 