5/19/11

Regrouping

After a busy week or month, I know I have to take the time to regroup.  I think with babies and most especially toddlers, this is so important.  Too much going...not just them, but me too, takes a toll on their behavior and their happiness.  May is a busy month for us this year.  Lots of sports games, and never a weekend day that is empty.  During the weekday evenings this month, I have had to run errands more than usual for some of the special end of the year events, and I volunteered for a few things also, which meant lots of phone call/emails.

I think little guys can take some of the coming and going, but I also think that there comes a time when I have to step back and recharge, and give them breaks from all the hustle and bustle, and from the lack of one-on-one time.  Some kids can last longer than others-well, maybe that's not true.  I think all little ones will act out in their own.

 I know that Patrick, at 3, likes to move very very slowly, and in a way that is a blessing to me.  On the way to the car, no matter what a rush I am in, he stomps in every puddle on the way to the car, insists on doing his buckle, all the while holding the baseball mitt he just must bring with him everywhere he goes. We know that everything seems to be so fast and busy, busy, busy for us in this day and age, but imagine it from a child's point of view?

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16 comments:

  1. CourtneyMay 19, 2011 at 12:39 AM

    I couldn't agree more. I felt like you were describing my two year old boy when you wrote about Patrick taking his time getting to the car and carrying his mitt. Luckily I've read some of your other posts regarding this need for us moms to be aware of our children's needs to slow down and to recognize when things are getting too rushed and busy for us and them. I remind myself of this often and always notice a difference when I slow down and let my little guy take his time and not be rushed. Luckily I like to take things slow also and not make myself busy all of the time.

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  2. The LocklinsMay 19, 2011 at 12:51 AM

    I am so with you on this one. We have been regrouping this week. We canceled a lot of the usual events for the week and are laying low. It feels good to slow down.

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  3. BlendaMay 19, 2011 at 12:51 AM

    Perfect!!! You said it perfect! The hard part is balancing the older kids with the younger, mine are three and twelve. I enjoy your blog!

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  4. Simply LKJMay 19, 2011 at 6:46 AM

    We keep counting the weeks here, one more to go after tomorrow. We are ready for school to be out, our youngest is ready for her Beach Trip with the youth at church, and hubby and I are ready for our trip alone. It is good to slow down!

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  5. luvnmy10May 19, 2011 at 7:41 AM

    Great post--I can so relate to the slowing down and re-grouping. I love the days when my little guy and I can have time just the two of us during school. He is my side kick and when we do go out we can never ever be in a hurry, because he is so busy and curious about everything. He is very excited for the kiddos to all be home over the summer-he misses them terribly during the days. 1 week!

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  6. fancy nancyMay 19, 2011 at 8:02 AM

    Great post! I completely agree with you about needing to regroup and recharge! I was just thinking yesterday how I hate how life is traveling at break neck speeds lately! However you're right, my daughter continues on at her pace...jumping in the many puddles. I have to remember to join her and soak in life like she does!

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  7. RachelleMay 19, 2011 at 8:55 AM

    I love this post because I appreciate that after 5 kids... you take the time to assess the needs of each one. Sometimes I think that our younger kids sort of get the left-overs of time and attention. Not purposely of course, but just because life seems to run away from us. But like you said... it's not fair... every child deserves our best. Thanks for the reminder.

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  8. LizMay 19, 2011 at 10:14 AM

    I love the baseball mitt. Precious!

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  9. SarahMay 19, 2011 at 1:01 PM

    This is a good reminder for me. It's too easy to follow the pace of the big kids and be frustrated with the littles for not cooperating. Thanks for posting!

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  10. Christy from fountains of homeMay 19, 2011 at 4:45 PM

    Whole-heartedly agree! I see the importance of routine and down time in my toddlers on a daily basis. I think its so important for their development and happiness!

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  11. MelissaMay 19, 2011 at 7:46 PM

    so true. My mom always reminds me how lucky I am to be able to stay home and let my babies just hang out in their pjs when we want to, not having to be rushing out every morning. We're all so much happier when we have regrouping days!

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  12. Erin McGMay 19, 2011 at 10:20 PM

    I NEEDED to read this today. SO true! Thanks for posting.

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  13. AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 10:28 PM

    That is such a cute photo!

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  14. Colleen MillerMay 20, 2011 at 1:20 PM

    So true and such a great reminder. I should have listened to your post on saying no earlier in the year. Too bad I didn't! Regrouping is under-rated! My oldest is in kinder and I went a little crazy this year, I think I got it out of my system though hopefully for next year it will be slower. I completely agree on how fast paced lives don't work well for children.Thanks for providing a stay at home mom focused blog, I need every one of these posts.

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  15. Two Little TotsMay 20, 2011 at 4:59 PM

    those toddlers do have a way of making us slow down, don't they! it is a good thing!

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  16. Jen B.May 20, 2011 at 5:24 PM

    Just what I was thinking about this morning! Thanks for the confirmation!!

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