This Article in this months Ensign on the Joy of Nurturing children totally resonated with me. I know a lot of people think I'm crazy when I pull out all the stops on a random holiday like St. Patrick's Day. Believe me, when I was up until midnight cutting out shamrocks I was pretty sure of it. But the first portion of the article summed it up PERFECTLY for me. Here are a couple snippets (and really, you should read the entire thing):
"One phrase from that conversation opened up my mind to the bright light of personal inspiration: “He has so many wonderful memories of his childhood.” I wasn't just rearing children; I was preparing a future generation of parents—a generation that would need all the positive experiences I could give them to cope with an increasingly challenging world. Was it possible that children who have a happy childhood will be better parents?
The parenting puzzle of thousands of pieces came together into a whole picture for a moment. I couldn't live my children’s lives for them, but I could give them a well of joyful memories from which they could draw throughout their lives.
Seeing the value of memories has changed my perspective on being a parent. We no longer make messes; we make memories. One crisp autumn day I took my children and two of their friends to the park. As they ran from swing to slide and then rolled in the damp sand, I was filled with gratitude for this time they had to be kids. “Oh, remember this day,” I told them in my mind. “Remember the joy of autumn, of family, of friends, of God’s wonderful earth.” On the way home my son discovered enough sand in the car to make a handful and affectionately tossed it at me. We laughed together. We’d made a memory—we could clean the car any day.
I believe I understand better what is expected of me as a parent. I work harder at creating moments that matter. The demands of parenthood haven’t changed. Perhaps the pressure has even increased, but the blessings have also. I hope to pass on these insights to my children in memory after memory. Perhaps each precious memory I give my children will become another link in a chain of righteous parenthood as they help their own children make joyful memories. Eternal bonds, eternal memories."
So there you have it... now go make some memories with your kiddos!
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9 comments:
Wow, Monique... I love this. This completely sums it up, doesn't it. Thanks so much for sharing!
I could not agree more! I loved that article, too, and wish more people/women could gain that perspective. I feel fortunate to have had a childhood rich with memories, and am striving to provide my kids with the same. I think creating special memories for your kids makes them feel secure in your love, that you care enough to do special things for them. Thanks for highlighting this! Your kids are lucky to have a mom who uses this as her M.O.
Amen to that! I know someone who won't craft with her kids because of the mess! WHAT? I like that phrase of not making messes but memories. Love the article, thanks for posting.
How awesome. You are an incredible mother and your childrens lives are blessed. Thanks for your wonderful insight. I think I might just go and make a mess with the kids.
How wise of you to learn this as a young mother. I think we all worry too much about messes. Remember the impatiens pulling out episode with Carter and Brinley. Nicole is scrapping a page with a picture of the event and large chip board letters saying 'TROUBLE." The smiles of glee on those 2 cousins' faces after what they'd done are priceless.
Mom
I've read part of the article already (got interupted by kids :-)But I have loved it so far! Thanks for the recap on your blog. It's great. I might do the same thing, some of the people who read my blog might find it useful.
Loved this articles, and loved your insights too. I needed that reminder today. Thanks. :)
Thanks for this. Making memories really strikes a chord in me.
I loved this post. I also really love your blog. If you're ever single, give me a call.
Allen "okay, I was masquerading as a single guy, but really I'm your husband" Frost
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