11. How did that happen and where did the time go?
For 11 years I have been blessed to call this young man my son.
His kindness and empathy for others astounds me. He has a wisdom often far beyond his years. He has patiently stood by me as I fumble and bumble my way through this motherhood gig. Always forgiving me quickly when I bugger it up, always a companion by my side when we are knocking about the place. He is a lover of all animals, a warrior for justice and deeply generous. A kind and loving big brother who is everybody and any bodies friend. And if it involves being someones friend in the middle of a lesson he should be concentrating on?.....Well, he is up for that too.
Its can be difficult to try to parent slowly and mindfully in today's modern world. We live in a time where children are constantly bombarded with all the latest "must haves". Branded clothing, ipads, gaming consoles....the list is extensive and endless. Advertising specifically geared towards children is everywhere. Whats more, branding and gaming companies use various psychology tactics in their advertising strategies to manipulate our kids so we as adults will cave in and purchase their goods.
But as much as modern media and the consumerist industry would like us to believe, we don't actually have to step into giving our children everything. They don't "need" it at all. It is so important for all of us to learn to be content and enjoy what we have, to learn to value the important things in life and this is a lesson that starts with childhood. It's our job as parents to do our best teach our children this, as we our selves navigate our way through life. It's OK if there are bumps in the road, consistency and continuing to put what we value in the center of our lives is key, even when we wander off our path and find ourselves walking to the beat of someone elses drum.
The reality is that most of our life is made up of completely ordinary, everyday moments, with a few spectacular ones scattered throughout. It's when we learn to appreciate and find deep contentment, even enjoyment in the ordinary that we can live a beautifully meaningful and fulfilling life. From this point the extraordinary moments like celebrations, a new job, reaching a goal or what ever else it may be, are simply the cherry on top of a life that is already happy and well lived.
This year we wanted to acknowledge Will is in fact growing up, his tastes are changing we do parent a little differently. This doesn't mean we do it better. But each family has its own values, and goals its working towards which is what makes this world such an interesting place.
We simply walk to the beat of our own drum which means ipad time is heavily limited, as is what the boys are allowed to do on it. Instead we favor things like bush walks, trips to the beach and camping. I'm not remotely interested in motorbikes (I worked in ED. Enough said.) I don't mind the kids having a few brand name clothes in the form of a cool cap and sneakers but our budget simply doesn't stretch that far, nor does my interest in spending mountains on children's clothing. The boys do play Grant's old Atari occasionally (old school Mario Brothers all the way!) but we don't actually want them in front of screens any more then they are. I don't see the benefit and instead see the fighting, the tears and the anxiety it causes as well as a general decline in attitude, which is backed up by extensive research.
But I also recognize Will is in a bit of an awkward transition. We wanted to give him something really special, that would allow him to tread his own path, acknowledged his maturity and which had the ability to grow with him. The solution? A beautiful entry point DSLR camera. We hesitated on the price, I'm going to be honest. But the camera is both his Christmas and birthday pressie from us and a joint gift from all the rellies who put money towards it. After much discussion, this is what he decided he wanted and it was something Grant and I knew he could enjoy for years to come that tied into our values. Nature? Tick. It will take him outside into nature and out exploring this amazing world we live in, challenging him to really "see" it. Technology? Tick. Not only with the camera but when it comes to editing photos later. Cool factor? Well, obviously.
Photography is something he has always loved and he has well out grown the simple cameras he had handed down to him. I love its a hobby that can grow and change with him. Its one present, which means it wont add clutter and its a good quality item meaning it will last until he wants to upgrade. (If that time comes.)
And it has been a total hit! He is SO proud of his new camera and it is constantly in his hands. In fact most of the photos in this post are ones he has taken, the exception being the three he is actually in. I think I have found a new photographer for my blog! I'm looking forward to learning about how to use it with him, and to the places we will go while he develops this hobby of his.
For 11 years I have been blessed to call this young man my son.
His kindness and empathy for others astounds me. He has a wisdom often far beyond his years. He has patiently stood by me as I fumble and bumble my way through this motherhood gig. Always forgiving me quickly when I bugger it up, always a companion by my side when we are knocking about the place. He is a lover of all animals, a warrior for justice and deeply generous. A kind and loving big brother who is everybody and any bodies friend. And if it involves being someones friend in the middle of a lesson he should be concentrating on?.....Well, he is up for that too.
But as much as modern media and the consumerist industry would like us to believe, we don't actually have to step into giving our children everything. They don't "need" it at all. It is so important for all of us to learn to be content and enjoy what we have, to learn to value the important things in life and this is a lesson that starts with childhood. It's our job as parents to do our best teach our children this, as we our selves navigate our way through life. It's OK if there are bumps in the road, consistency and continuing to put what we value in the center of our lives is key, even when we wander off our path and find ourselves walking to the beat of someone elses drum.
The reality is that most of our life is made up of completely ordinary, everyday moments, with a few spectacular ones scattered throughout. It's when we learn to appreciate and find deep contentment, even enjoyment in the ordinary that we can live a beautifully meaningful and fulfilling life. From this point the extraordinary moments like celebrations, a new job, reaching a goal or what ever else it may be, are simply the cherry on top of a life that is already happy and well lived.
Home made pizzas with friends and birthday cake.
This year we wanted to acknowledge Will is in fact growing up, his tastes are changing we do parent a little differently. This doesn't mean we do it better. But each family has its own values, and goals its working towards which is what makes this world such an interesting place.
We simply walk to the beat of our own drum which means ipad time is heavily limited, as is what the boys are allowed to do on it. Instead we favor things like bush walks, trips to the beach and camping. I'm not remotely interested in motorbikes (I worked in ED. Enough said.) I don't mind the kids having a few brand name clothes in the form of a cool cap and sneakers but our budget simply doesn't stretch that far, nor does my interest in spending mountains on children's clothing. The boys do play Grant's old Atari occasionally (old school Mario Brothers all the way!) but we don't actually want them in front of screens any more then they are. I don't see the benefit and instead see the fighting, the tears and the anxiety it causes as well as a general decline in attitude, which is backed up by extensive research.
One of our birthday traditions is going to the zoo, a perfect place for Will to use his camera.
And it has been a total hit! He is SO proud of his new camera and it is constantly in his hands. In fact most of the photos in this post are ones he has taken, the exception being the three he is actually in. I think I have found a new photographer for my blog! I'm looking forward to learning about how to use it with him, and to the places we will go while he develops this hobby of his.
It is so important to stop and acknowledge these milestones. Even if they do fall in amidst end of term-itis, sniffles and school concerts!
Much love,
Emma
xx
