Taking the time

So as we get close to the holidays, family starts coming into town, all the finishing details of presents and baking are in full swing and we all seem a little stressed. So as we get stressed and busy, we sometimes just don't have time for the details of our life that are most important. I was reminded of this just a little bit ago after putting Z(the 4yr old I nanny for) to bed. My brother, Isaac, whom I haven't seen in quite some time, came into town yesterday afternoon. Naturally, we somehow stayed up til 2 in the morning talking and catching up last night. Which then led to numerous prayers of patience and energy for work today. So as today progressed I noticed more down time and cuddles with all three kids since I don't have the energy to be running around playing hockey or tag. It has been so nice. Z is always the last to lie down for his nap so I crawled into bed with him for a few minutes. I asked him about his show and tell at preschool and how his morning went. As it turns out he had got in a little trouble for not listening and told me he hurt his own feelings. It was darling but also made me realize if I hadn't been tired and taken those couple moments to rest and talk to him, he probably wouldn't have recalled the days happenings and I would have missed an opportunity to encourage him. Parents and other nannies can sympathize with precious moments like that. As I walked down the stairs, I wondered how many times I have missed moments because I didn't taken the time to really talk to Z. I have done that with my niece Lydia as well in the past. She always takes a little encouraging to open up. Kids in that 4-7 range are so tough because they are finally independent and able to do most everything on their own. However, we can get so caught up in their independence, we forget to give them the extra time and love they need. Kids are such amazing tiny humans and I take them for granted way more than I should. So take some extra time this year for a one on one moment with the tiny humans in your life. They are worth it. You might be surprised what you ll find out.