Monday, May 7, 2012

Slow down mummy, there is no need to rush,
slow down mummy, what is all the fuss?
slow down mummy, make yourself a cup tea.
slow down mummy, come spend some time with me.
slow down mummy, let’s pull boots on for a walk,
let’s kick at piles of leaves, and smile and laugh and talk.
slow down mummy, you look ever so tired,
come sit and snuggle under the duvet, and rest with me a while.
slow down mummy, those dirty dishes can wait,
slow down mummy, let’s have some fun - bake a cake!
slow down mummy, I know you work a lot,
but sometimes mummy, it’s nice when you just stop.
sit with us a minute,
and listen to our day,
spend a cherished moment,
because our childhood won’t stay!


 -R. Knight

I love this poem. It reminds me to slow down. I know we are all busy parents, but our children are not small for long. As cliche as that sounds I know it is so true. I have a 21 year old and I can't believe where the time went. I certainly don't remember doing the dishes or laundry as much as I remember taking a summer and filling my days with swimming, beaches, volleyball, museums and more. I planned a whole summer to do something outside the home at least 3 - 4 days a week and it worked so well. This is my favourite summer and best memories.


I now have two small ones and I never get mad when I step on small toys, or see the muddy ring on the bathtub after my boys have left it. I don't cry over the small fingerprints on my front french doors or scoff at the little things they say. I cherish instead, I value the small scattered toys and remember when I was sad when my eldest son no longer left action figures around the house. I smile when I wipe up the tub thinking about all the fun they had out back making a muck in the dirt with trucks and water. I even smile when I wipe down the high chair remembering how Nashy signed so many signs to me 'chatting' up a storm about everything he saw. 


So slow down mom, slow down dad... revel in your moments throughout the day. Laugh a little harder at your little ones jokes and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.


You will certainly gain more from your relationship this way. If you truly slow down and begin to study your wee one, you will see how much they want to communicate with you. Teach them some gestures, some sign, so that you can begin to build an amazing relationship. If you are observing and taking the time, you will soon see your baby/toddler communicating about the things they love to talk about.


Give it a try!


More signing information can be found at:

Twitter - @AmandaMinchau
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BabySignsStickyHandsAbbotsfordFraserValley
Website - www.stickyhands.ca

2 comments:

  1. Thanks for the post! Definitely a needed reminder! I think I will put the poem on my fridge!

    ReplyDelete