My 4-year-old is currently in a phase where he can’t get enough of nature. Recently, his preschool wrapped up a unit on plants and seeds, sparking a newfound enthusiasm for gardening at home. We’ve even borrowed some books from the library to explore this passion further (mostly because he’s eager to learn the names of every plant, while I’m admittedly a bit clueless).
His fascination has blossomed (pun intended!) into a full-blown obsession, and it seems nature is now the main topic of his conversations, especially during our outings. I also have a 10-year-old son who is more sarcastic and eye-rolling than anything else, so I’m trying to soak up every ounce of my younger son’s innocent wonder before he inevitably falls into the same cynical trap as his brother.
Let’s face it: in a couple of years, the idea of flowers being magical will probably seem ridiculous to him. He starts kindergarten in the fall, and I can already see him adopting the schoolyard attitude that his older brother has perfected.
While I’m eager to cherish this phase, it’s turning every outing into a marathon that tests my patience. This kid can’t take a step without stopping to admire a bug or a twig, and as much as I want to be patient, it’s driving me up the wall.
This morning’s walk to school was a prime example. Just two steps out the door, he discovered a stick and began banging it against a tree until it snapped. A few steps later, he spotted a “shamrock” (to him, all clovers are shamrocks) and paused to examine it. As we reached the corner, he noticed a “burr tree” (which is definitely just a pine, but that’s his term for it) and threw a fit when I said we couldn’t cross the street to check it out.
At this point, his older brother was clearly frustrated. “I need to get to school,” he said through gritted teeth. I tugged my 4-year-old along, trying to hurry things up.
We finally made it to my older son’s school, but then we had to walk just one block to get to his preschool. That single block took us a whopping 10 minutes (yes, I timed it). Along the way, we passed a vibrant garden next to the church, filled with stunning white and pink flowers that I completely understood why he wanted to linger there. However, I had to exert a lot of effort to keep my cool. Every minute felt like a countdown as I thought about all the work waiting for me at home (if I ever made it there).
I found myself acutely aware of two things at once: my rising irritation and my son’s escalating joy. He was absolutely in his element. He was frolicking, burying his face in flowers, and living in the moment—something that adults often struggle with.
I genuinely try to embrace the present, and having children has certainly helped me with that. But as a busy parent juggling countless responsibilities, my mind is often fixated on “what’s next” instead of the current moment. Even while doing dishes, I’m pondering what to make for our next three meals. When I’m laying out my kids’ clothes for tomorrow, I’m already worrying about the upcoming season and whether we have swimwear that fits. It’s a never-ending cycle of thoughts that makes it nearly impossible to simply be.
So many parents today are overwhelmed by responsibilities, wearing multiple hats—housekeeper, cook, teacher, and more. But when do we get to just be a mom or dad, fully engaged in the moment with our kids?
I won’t claim I always manage it, but I’m genuinely trying to take a moment during our walks to school to embrace where we are. I want to be present while my son explores flower bushes and examines dandelions. I’m making an effort to avoid checking my phone or glancing at the clock. Does it really matter if he’s a few minutes late to school while spring is in full bloom? What would happen if I miss those 10 minutes of work time? Honestly, probably not much. And certainly nothing is more significant than the memories those moments could create for him.
These seemingly trivial moments are profoundly important for our children. It’s about more than just letting them enjoy their childhood; it’s about teaching them what truly matters in life. What will my child remember most about his early years? The toys he had or the times I took a moment to enjoy nature with him, stopping to smell the flowers?
Reflecting on my own childhood, I cherish those moments when my parents paused their daily routines to be fully present with me. It’s all too easy to get swept up in adulthood and forget the essence of what’s important in our kids’ lives. But they don’t require much from us—a few minutes of undivided attention can mean the world.
So, moms and dads, let’s make a conscious effort. Starting today, take a break from your busy schedules. Spend a few moments with your child. Take the time to smell the roses. For more on how to approach parenting and family life, check out our post on home insemination kits.
In summary, let’s prioritize moments of connection with our children. These experiences shape their memories and teach them valuable lessons about what matters most in life.
Keyphrase: slowing down for kids
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