I used to rush through bedtime with my kids. Then I realized every routine has a last time.
A parent reflects on the challenge of balancing the mundane, repetitive tasks of raising young children with the desire to be present. She finds perspective by reminding herself that every routine will eventually have a final occurrence.
Why it matters
It addresses the universal struggle of work-life balance and the psychological effort required to find meaning in daily caregiving.
The author (not pictured) said she knows there will be a last time her kids want her to read to them at night. Keeping that in mind helps her get through hard moments. AnVr/Getty Images I'm a mom of two kids under 3, and so much of parenting lives in the ordinary moments. It's easy to find yourself rushing through the repetitive, everyday parts without meaning to. I'm learning to slow down and be more present, even on the nights I'm the one nodding off at bedtime. Before I had kids , I would picture the moments I was most excited for. The feeling of a tiny hand tucked into mine while walking through a parking lot. Pushing my baby on a swing over and over again to get a glimpse of a gummy smile.
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