Slow Down For The Kids

When I first had Max, I got caught up in a major case of the shoulds. He should be sleeping at this time, doing that milestone, having this much milk. What a minefield! I remember being frustrated with him for not fitting into this really rigid mould and a bit down on myself for not being able to make him.

There was a time when I just could not get him to sleep in his cot. He would happily sleep cosied up to me, snuggled in the crook of my elbow but he just would not have any of the cot idea. Each night I'd feel the anxiety rise as I tried to put him in the cot and he'd cry moments later, devastated that he wasn't with me. 

I knew this wasn't an ideal situation. I knew we had a strong bond but because of all the shoulds swirling in my head I was choosing to override that bond. It finally dawned on me that I'd be better off if we found out what works specifically for us. That's when I discovered Max's montessori-style floor bed. More generally though, I stopped trying to fit him into any kind of mould and we have all been much happier. I learned to trust my instincts and go with the flow a bit more. 

I think that's when I truly started realising the benefits of slowing down. Prior to having Max, I was drawn to it but now I see how it can really enrich our lives. 

I thought I'd share some of the benefits I've seen in our life, some already have huge impact and I'm hoping others will pay off long term and help shape his life experience ::

✨ Less toys = less overwhelm
✨ Less rushing around, more time to explore and spark creativity.
✨ Less stress on his adrenals = better behaviour, higher concentration
✨ Being at home allows time to form bonds and develop a strong sense of self
✨ A similar routine day to day creates a sense of consistency and ritual
✨ The novelty of days out makes them more memorable
✨ Learn a lifelong skill of being comfortable alone and the benefits of rest

✨ Parents who are less stressed and more present

Can you think of any others? 

Please come over and share your slow moments on Instagram using #slowdowninSeptember

Rachelle xo