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Thursday, December 29, 2011

Regaining our Rhythm





Who knew that the days following Christmas would be just as busy as the ones before? I never remembered them being that way before,  but that it is how they felt this year. Next year for sure we will be taking it easy and staying very close to home, especially since I will have a new baby as well as my two toddlers! 

From all the family visits with great Grandparents the days before Christmas and afterwards going to see family in my hometown, my little ones were frazzled! The past three days have been spent getting them back into our normal daily rhythm as well as reorganizing my home. (I let quite a lot go plus my animals don't feed themselves!)

While some of our relatives are very understanding of our children and adapt to their schedule (since they know that if they do then kids will be a lot more fun to be around), others do not. Which is fine truly, but it also means that we cannot spend as much time with them due to meal and nap times. And while many of them totally understand, yes my dear cousins, Aunt Meeta, and Rosa- you all rock, others don't. 

I don't mind having to bow out of events early either. I know full well that this is a time in life and soon it will pass. My children will get older and then we will be able to be around more and travel with greater ease. I know what my children need and when they need it. It is my job and spiritual commission, one that I take very seriously. 

Sadly though some relatives take this as a snub or judgement against how they parented in their day. I am questioned as to why my children need to nap and pressured to have them "skip just this once". When I explain how if I do that, I have to take care of two very unhappy toddlers the rest of the day alone while 22 weeks pregnant (since my husband works nights)...  then I am told "there must be something wrong" with my kids...

As you can see I am just a bit frazzled too! But fortunately I have a steadfast peace and assurance that doing what is best for my children is better than doing what is most popular. If face time is truly the motivation for wanting my children to skip their naps and eat their meals three hours late, then by all means- come visit us anytime! I am sure it is easier for them to get out and about than it is for a pregnant woman with a 1 and 4 year old :)

As you can see from above, I have been mulling over my parenting choices that past few days as well. It was this time last year that I began my Waldorf and peaceful parenting journey, and I have to say it has been the happiest year yet for me as a wife and mother. Not only have a I grown tremendously in these roles but I feel I have also grown spiritually- which also lends itself greatly to imbuing happiness. 

So these little conflicts, holiday related or not, don't really phase me or cause me to stumble. They annoy and confuse me, but in the end my husband and I know that we are right where we should be (by God's merciful grace). 

So here is to year two of my Waldorf journey! Thank you Sarah L for giving me that Nova Natural catalog- who knew what transformation it would bring! 

And since we are on the subject of 'new' things- here are some photos of our updated playroom! We reorganized and donated some toys this past week to make room for the new. As staying with the Waldorf tradition, we strive for natural open ended toys in warm open spaces. If you would like to learn more about Waldorf play and toys, these are two great articles written by a sage in her own right Sarah Baldwin of Bella Luna Toys (What are Waldorf Toys & Bringing New Consciousness to Choosing Children's Toys).  I must say I find it to be a lovely place. My kids don't want to leave it! 

Daily Verse or Quote: 
Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children.  
~Charles R. Swindoll, The Strong Family





12 comments:

  1. Your children's play space is beautiful!! Trust you instincts with your children's schedule, you are right, you know what is best. My children are teens now, but I remember those days when well meaning relatives would question my choices. I now have two very well adjusted, happy, responsible teens, and I keep trusting my instincts in how I parent. Your children are blessed to have such a caring mother and such a wonderful environment to be raised in! Happy New Year to you and your family!

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  2. Thank you for your kind words April. They were what I really needed to hear this morning. I appreciate your encouragement and support, especially from someone who has actually been there! Have a happy New Year as well!

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  3. What a beautiful and peaceful space you have created! Finding this post was very timely for me, as we are also into our first year of Waldorf inspired homeschooling. Your comment, in regard to parenting choices: "....(conflicts) annoy and confuse me, but in the end my husband and I know that we are right where we should be.", perfectly articulates what I have been experiencing recently and was very encouraging. Wishing you and your family a very Happy New Year and I look forward to following your journey.

    Christine

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  4. Thank you Amie and Christine! I am glad I wrote about my conflicts, especially if others can relate. I am glad you found my blog- it is nice to meet other Waldorf Mamas at the same place as we are in their journey :)

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  5. Don't pay attention to others' comments on how you should raise your little angels! Your husband and you are the ones who know really how to deal with your children. Enjoy your time with your family; your children are blessed to have you both as wonderful and inspiring parents!

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  6. What a gorgeous playspace! And I understand the challenges you mention! We have just been away with family and I feel I spent most of the time breastfeeding or putting the kids to sleep. I must say our rhythm is totally off kilter at the moment and we are working towards regaining it. But as you say, our little ones will only be little for such a short time, so we need to do what we feel it right for them and stay true to ourselves :-)

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  7. @Kelly
    I will be nursing again soon and I feel like I have been nursing for the majority of the past four years, ha! But you're right, as soon as I wean- I miss it. It is where we are supposed to be right now and I am sure my heart will ache when we are past it. I hope your little ones get back into their rhythm soon ;) Can't wait to see where this journey takes us both!

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  8. It is so reassuring to read that I am not the only mom with toddlers that also faces the same trouble from family. Some family members are so embracing of our rhythm/schedule and others make me feel like I am fighting an uphill battle every step of the way. I encourage you to stick to your intuitions, as will I, regardless of the opposition. Mamas know best! :)

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  9. @Emily
    Thanks for visiting and for the encouragement!!! We have to get together soon. On the relatives note, I still don't get the hostility. It just seems so pointless when they can visit anytime!

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  10. This is one of the most beautiful play space I have seen! It has such a softness to it!! It's too bad that some of your relatives reacted that way, there is nothing worse than having family making you feel confused or doubt your parenting choices. In the end, you have to do what feels right for you, your husband and your children. That's what really matters.

    Thanks for the lovely comments on my blog by the way and I wish you and your family a very Happy New Year!

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  11. @Stephanie, thanks for visiting! I love your blog! We really love our playroom. It is a favorite place in our home. Now I only need to make my laundry room just as inviting and then it would all get done!! Thank for the encouragement too. I think we all have moments of self doubt, so its nice to receive support from like minded Mamas!

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