Last week, you were nudged to lead the way with play or that thing YOU love to do. This week, you’re handing off the torch.
It often feels like toddlers “rule the roost,” but if you recount a whole day, these vulnerable, ultimately clueless humans don’t have much say. Perhaps THEY are dying to do something they want to do, too. Perhaps they need a breather from hearing:
“Hang on, sweetie, let me finish this message.”
“You can show me after the dishes, K?”
“Mommy really needs to make some coffee first.”
“Not right now, bud. We’ve gotta get dressed.”
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with boundaries, structure, filling our cup first, cleanliness, teaching patience, and all the things that make the world go ‘round.
But…
How many times a day are we blocking their invites or ideas because they’re inconvenient / annoying / not in our imaginative wheelhouse?
What kind of magic is waiting behind our walls of comfort?
What could happen if, for once, we let them lead the way?
No matter how badly you want to avoid Barbies, cars, Legos, house, “fishing,” imaginary marshmallow roasting, monster-hunting, or whatever makes your adult mind melt, remember this:
When we allow kids to call the shots, not only are we strengthening our connection to them, but we’re helping them build confidence to lead and communicate, encouraging creative thinking, and showing them our respect.
So, even if it’s for 10 minutes, make them the BEST for your kid.
When they invite you, finally join them. Even when things get painfully repetitive, don’t divert them to something else. Follow their lead. Fake it till you make it.
Pretend you’re an actress. Pretend you’re trying out for Mom of the Year. Give ‘em everything you’ve got. Get so into it that you lose yourself in it. Put yourself so deep in your kid’s shoes that you have absolutely no time to lose. They will LOVE you for it.
And who knows? Maybe this silly, once-avoided thing is exactly what you need.
So..
Pause your to-dos, open your mind and…
Let.
Them.
L E A D!
This post is part of the Mama Be Present series:
A joy-sparking journey + free community for moms who desire simple yet impactful ways to connect more with their little ones.
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Brit Stueven 