**I am enjoying my kids so much these days.** 

I have a 10YO girl and 12YO boy. I feel like I just want time to stay still. But why do a need to feel like it is going to get worse or change? It got me thinking what can I do to always enjoy them. Please follow along on my journey while I learn and explore ways to always enjoy our kids.  
Here are some helpful ideas:

1. This  is the most important thing I do to enjoy my kids. Fill your own cup first. That could be drinking coffee by yourself in the morning, working out, taking a shower (shout out new Moms), meeting up with other parents or just eating a carton of Ben and Jerry's. Whatever it may be, it needs to make you feel happy and satisfy your soul. 

*Personal Example*: I am a homeschool Mom and am with my kids all day. I love to wake up in the morning and take a walk or do yoga with my friends before my kids are awake. If that doesn't work out, I will sit and drink coffee by myself and read or scroll the internet. 
		

2. When your child is talking to you about something important, stop what your doing and look into their eyes and listen to what they are saying. We get so busy that we are always multi-tasking but sometimes we need to stop and do the one thing that is most important and listen. Try to understand what is so important to them. Connect with them.

 *Personal Example*: My 12 YO son has a infrequent studder. If I am not paying attention to him while he is talking to me, it tends to become more frequent. This helps me to stop whatever thing I think is important and listen to what he is saying. 
		
3. If at all possible, try to find time to spend one-on-one time with each child. This can be nearly impossible at times when our schedules are so busy but it is very important to try and do. Even if it is a 5 minute walk around the block or a trip to the grocery store.

 *Personal Example*: My alone time with each of my kids are when the other one is at their extracurricular activties. We live in a rural area so we can't run home during their activites. Instead we go to the library, grocery store or my favorite  one in the summer is paddleboarding.
			
4. From @theconsciousparentinghub "the greatest gift a child can ever receive is a parent who can emotionally regulate. A parent who can emotionally regulate is patient, open for connection, and, most importantly, allows the child to fail, as that's where the most learning occurs." I am still guilty of trying to help my child not fail but am working on it daily.

 *Personal Example*: I have quit drinking alcohol since Feb 2023. This has helped me so much with connection of my children, being present and my emotional regulation is the best it's ever been, just ask my kids! Instead of worrying about when it's five o'clock so I can unwind with a glass of wine, cocktail or beer, I now am focusing on what healthy dinner I can make for my family, or what fun thing we can do after we eat. Some people can manage their alcohol, family life and everything but for me quiting has been a huge part of a missing peice of connection to my family.

I hope this helps other families out there. And please let me know of other ideas so we can continue along this path of enjoyment. Thanks Shasta