It's back-to-school season! Schedules, routines, appointments, activities, and unplanned interruptions must all be managed, sometimes all in the course of a single day.
Jade, my youngest daughter, is the coolest and smartest person I know. But her easygoing personality clashed with my more energetic, let's-get-it-done-today personality style
Jade rode the school bus every day during her middle school years, and mornings were chaotic (for me). She moved at a snail's pace from the time she woke up, getting dressed, eating breakfast, making her lunch, asking if I knew where she had left her math book, pulling papers out of her backpack that needed to be signed days ago... while I seethed.
"Hurry up! You're going to miss the bus!" To emphasize the urgency, I must have shouted a dozen times in a high-pitched tone. But I believe I'm not alone here... am right?
My words did not make for a peaceful start to our day. Just to leave an important point here, remember that creating a conducive environment at home plays a significant role in our child’s growth and development.
However, she remained unmoved. She continued to meander around as if time didn't matter. After getting her out of the house, I watched her walk down, through a neighbor's yard, and arrive at the bus stop just in time. I leaned against the door, exhausted, and it wasn't even 8:00 a.m. And then, from within, I heard these words, 'Do you not notice that you're the only one frazzled here’.
Children can teach us so much if we listen and observe. Jade was perfectly capable of getting herself to school on time without my assistance. She's all grown up now, with her own system for organizing her day and accomplishing her objectives. And she does it extremely well. The lessons I learned during those days helped me, and I cherish such moments with her. We all have to deal with this as mothers at some point!!
That quiet, small voice within me caught my attention and reminded me to be mindful of my own words and how I begin my day.
So now I'm aware!