I have come to love grocery shopping time. I practice 2-3 hours in the morning, have lunch, then off we (my toddler and I) go to the store. It has become special time just for us. I put him in the grocery cart seat, and somehow, it becomes special play time for us while I do my shopping. We do things like say silly words to each other, make silly (soft) noises to each other, find letters and numbers around the store, and just all around have a good time. My absolute favorite thing that happens, though, is when we are making our silly soft sounds face-to-face and then he grabs my face and plants a beautiful (often sloppy) kiss right on my cheek. LOVE it! No matter what has happened to me that morning or even that week, those gorgeous kisses make it all just right.
As a mother, you really need those little bits of reassurance from your children. Day after day it’s often an onslaught of attitude, push-back, tantrums, arguing, the list goes on. It can wear you down emotionally and even physically. Any little sign of adoration from your children can be a little rainbow or ray of sunshine in an otherwise weary day. I treasure any of these moments, as any mother would.
I love my children so much. I give them spontaneous hugs and kisses. I read to them, play with them, and remind them how much they mean to me. I don’t actually expect it in return. I just want them to know how much I love them and care about them. I explain why we have rules, why I get frustrated, why I’m upset, etc. We communicate well. So, it makes it all so worth the effort to get a random hug, smile, or kiss from your children. Talk about encouragement! It’s one of the many reasons why I love being a mother and why there is no other love to be felt than that of love for your children. We need that reassurance, and I’ll take it over anything. Period.
Mommy's Gotta Practice! 