It’s Time to Slow Down and Enjoy the Now | #cherishchildhood

It’s Time to Slow Down and Enjoy the Now

Disclosure: I received a promotional item for sharing my story. All thoughts & opinions are 100% my own.

I remember, as a child, wishing and hoping beyond hope that I would grow up soon. Really soon, and fast. I couldn’t wait for high school, to drive, get a job, get married, have kids and just be a grown up. It looked so easy… and cool. You could do what you want when you want, eat what you want without asking permission first, stay up late… it had to be fantastic, right?

dandelions

Now as a grown up, and a mom, I encourage my children to take it slow. Take time to smell the roses… and blow the dandelions.

ethan

I want them to not just take a dip like their mommy, but the dive in… have funny face contests underwater… see who can make the biggest splash.

halloween

Sure, when you grow up you can get dressed up and look pretty… but when you’re a kid you can “dress up” and be anybody you want to bed. There are so many costumes left to try on!

trampoline

I don’t want my children to keep their feet planted firmly on the ground, but the reach for the sky… touch the stars.

I hope with my encouragement they will enjoy their childhood instead of wishing it away.

Gymboree, one of my favorite children’s clothing companies, firmly believes this as well. They recently released this beautiful video I wanted to share with you about celebrating cherished moments in childhood.

So as difficult the stage they are in right now is… whether they are dumping an entire package of corn meal all over the kitchen, or tossing your iPhone in the toilet… remember that childhood passes in the blink of an eye and before you know it they will be all grown up and moving out… like my Kaytlin just did. It doesn’t seem possible that 21 years have passed since she came screaming into this world.

 

What are some of your most cherished moments with your children?

 

Connect with Gymboree:

facebook-buttontwitterbutton2

Comments

  1. NYCSingleMom says

    I just got back from Paris and London with my daughter which is big checkmark off my bucket list. Many memories for both of us.

  2. I think that I shelter my children a little more than most these days because I agree that they shouldn’t grow up to fast. I gain new memories with them everyday and the sound of their laughs makes my heart swell.

  3. Pam says

    I used to love to play on the trampoline or swim with my kids. It was so much fun.

  4. That is such a cute video!! I simply adore Gymboree clothing. And what a brilliant message!

  5. My kids are teenagers now but I have fond memories of when they were little. My daughter used to bring me tea in her little plastic cups and my son used to insist on storing his cars in the oven of the same kitchen.

  6. Gosh, I was the same way as a kid. I used to look through catalogs and pick out everything I was going to have in my house. Then I grew up and realized I would have to find a way to pay for those things. I definitely encouraged my son to be a kid and try many new things. He’s now an auto mechanic who listens to classical music and opera while he works, so I guess I did my job making him a well rounded person. 🙂

  7. We don’t have any children but I do love this post!! love all the pictures and great memories very sweet!!

  8. Tammi says

    Time passes so quickly, it’s sad that we need to make a conscious effort to slow things down and appreciate the little moments. But we do! It’s crucial! I love when I’m sipping my coffee in the am and watching the girls play first thing in the morning. Hair all over the place, PJ’s on, but just so much excitement for the day. It’s those little times that mean so much!!

  9. Julie Wood says

    I like you wanted to grow up to fast! But I remember so many fun things that I got to do as a child. Of course, Trick or Treat was big in our house and my mom made our costumes, and one year she made me the best Princess costume. And another fond memory is when my whole family got to go to California to visit my Grandparents and they had a swimming pool. I thought they were rich, and I got to go swimming for hours. I loved to swim when I was a kid. So many wonderful memories that I cherish!

  10. Sarah L says

    No kids, but I remember the camping trips we took

  11. Charlene S says

    Laughing is the best.

  12. Jean says

    Wonderful pictures! I love the underwater shot especially. My favorite moments with my kids tend to be the simple ones. We had a great time sitting on the front porch watching pill bugs (roly polys) scurry across the front walk. My daughters gave them names and arranged them into family groups. Good times.

Add Your Comment

*

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.