Back in the spring I read a little column in the April 2010 issue of Real Simple magazine that was called, “Letting Your Toddler Set the Pace.” In it, Dean Bakapoulos talked about something called “Toddler Time.” It’s those moments when you actually embrace the moment for what it is and travel at the speed of a toddler. The author focused on the simple event called “Taking a Walk” as he described the difference between walking for speed versus walking for pleasure. When our little ones are allowed to set the pace, what happens? We go slower, we pause to look at things more, we notice the ants and the trickle of water and the blades of grass. Sometimes we make it all the way to the end of the block, other times we get half that far, spending the same amount of time either way.
Toddler Time.
By nature, Jason is good at this and I have always imagined myself as a parent who tries to be present, truly present in the life of my little boy. I may not be as energetic as I would have been if I came into motherhood at the age of twenty-five but I like to think that I am wiser than I was if it were twenty years ago. It took us 16 years of marriage to finally get to add a child to our family picture. Surely all of my life’s experiences bring something to the table even if the number of chases around the kitchen island that I can do (especially now!) remains unfortunately low.
But as much as I feel like I am trying to focus on enjoying the everyday moments that make up this thing called parenting, I found this article resonating in a way that surprised me. I had to admit that before I got ill, Cole’s and my walks were all about distance. I was focused on getting MY exercise and therefore, we had a goal to reach. A finish line to cross.
I know that he liked these walks but as I read those few short paragraphs, I wondered if perhaps he would enjoy them more if I took the author’s advice and tried a little Toddler Time instead, focusing on his agenda which included pushing the stroller instead of riding in it, examining the neighbor’s dirt pile, and squatting down to inspect the potato bug that rolled up with just one simple poke from his little finger.
After that, we started going slower on our walks. And in the process, I learned for myself about this treasure called Toddler Time.
I’m reminded of that article once again as I look out the window of my mother-in-law’s home. Cole and Grandma are walking around the house. Again. Across the patio, over the grassy patch to the gravel walkway. Down the stone steps to the rocks at the bottom that are 3″ off the ground – perfect for jumping from when you are 20 months old. Then back up the steps, around the side of the house to the driveway and onto the patio where some chasing and laughing and giggling are bound to take place.
They’ve been doing this for about 25 minutes and have made it around the house twice so far. In the meantime, Cole is discovering and experiencing things about his world while Grandma is discovering them right along with him. Toddler Time. It’s happening right before my eyes and makes me love Coleman…and his grandma…even more than I already do.
beautiful words. thanks for sharing.
Precious! Our kids are 10 and 11 and I still need to take things at their pace and discover with them too. And it’s a blessing when I do 🙂 Thanks for the reminder!
great post, Kolette! glad you are continuing on your road to recovery!
If the whole world engaged in life on “toddler time” I’m sure it would be a much calmer and more wonderful place!
I’ve been blessed to learn about toddler time and now pre-schooler time with my youngest grand daughter. I have loved learning, exploring and discovering the world through her eyes. Grandmas are so lucky to be able to do this, when we may have missed it with our own children.
Just reading that post put me in a “Zen” state!
So glad that you are feeling well enough to blog. How he is growing! Enjoy every minute. Stay on your positive climb.
Thanks for sharing!! LOVE this!! 🙂 I have experienced a few of those “Toddler Time” walks and LOVED it!! My girls move a little faster now, but I still need to let them lead the way when possible! 🙂 Love having you back! Enjoying what you are writing and taking pictures of! Take care!!
I wish I had heard about Toddler Time when my kids were younger. But now I take time to visit with and develop friendships that I had to put on hold for various reasons over the years. So happy for you and the progress you are making in your recovery. May God bless you and your family.
So glad to hear from you again. I love the way you express things and I’ve missed your voice. Little Cole is a delight and I’m experiencing those things again with my grandchildren. I hope you continue to improve and can post more often. I have enjoyed reading your perspective on life.
What a sweet post and a good reminder for sure. I wish I still had a toddler around to have my own toddler time. Maybe I could try to keep up with my 5 year old. 🙂
That is a great way to look at life. Slow down. It’s great to “see” you back!
I”m just so happy to hear form you – every day when I open my blog and see the link to your I’ve said a little prayer for you – so again, I’m thankful that things are looking up a bit – but don’t rush it – all of out here in blogland can be patient!
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