This surely takes more time than doing the tasks alone, but this way is much more fun.
> The only solution is to get acquainted with the idea that your life will never be what you wanted, …
What I’ve found fascinating as I’ve gotten older is that the life I _wanted_ at different points in my life has never been what I ended up with later, but somehow that’s been okay and when I look back I always come to be thankful for every “setback”. Like Steve Jobs’ commencement speech, life has to be lived going forward but is only understood looking back.
You are certainly a stronger person as a result of having two special needs children, likely far more compassionate and understanding than you would have been otherwise.
I’ve heard the concert expressed as setbacks being our “divine moment” to move toward our true path. Maybe a bit woo woo but I certainly feel like my setbacks have put me on a more fulfilling path.
This, 100%. It's actually easier than you think once it becomes a habit. Kids learn by emulation and practice, so they will naturally pick up on politeness, kindness, etc. as you go about your day.
Being able to see things new with your kids' eyes is enlightening as well. You've seen rocks, you've seen all the rocks, but you kids have never seen that rock before, and it's fun to look at it together and share what you know.
I would add that trying certain kinds of new hobbies with kids is also great. For example, if you've never tried painting before, start with your kids giving it a go as well.
All kids want to do is spend time with you. They're not particular. It's cliche, but it's true--they grow up faster than you think. Never pass up the chance to spend time with them.
You are not your children, spend time on yourself, lest you find yourself suffering from the empty nest syndrome.
hotter take:
Not even your children want that.
After my oldest turned 6 her ability to understand some things greatly improved, and I love that I can read books with ber that I remember from my youth. But I still can't read the books I would choose to pick for my own pleasure.
It gets easier the older they get. By the time my girls are 8 and 10, I'm sure that I'll be able to dedicate a weekend to recording like I used to, but it's absolutely not something I can do with little kids around.
It will be challenging, it is undeniably more work, but it becomes easier over time and will pay dividends eventually.
It’s difficult to make the perspective shift in the moment, but it’s helpful to remember that the whole entire world is new and exciting for kids. They’re curious little creatures, constantly growing and learning. Even mundane tasks like running errands can turn into engaging, stimulating activities for little ones. The weekly grocery pickup or a trip to the hardware store are opportunities to explore the world and instill curiosity. It doesn’t happen for free, though: as a parent, it’s your job to engage and foster this.
I haven’t even touched on how rewarding it is to include kids in hobbies. My kids are under five, and partake in everything from hiking, camping, backpacking, canoeing and snowshoeing to woodworking and cooking. Turns out kids just wanna do all the great things their parents do, and will rise to the occasion if given the opportunity :)
The opportunities are there if you let them be there!