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
