Time Over Stuff by Nicola Poole
We all know spending time with our little ones far trumps buying them the latest toys, yet why do we still feel the need to ensure they have all the ‘stuff’?!
It’s easy to get caught up in wanting to give our children everything. Everything they could ever need. Everything they could ever want for. Everything we longed for as a child and never had. Naturally we want our children to have more than we had.
However, it’s this lack mentality that keeps us caught up in materialism and the vicious cycle of consumerism.
This, in addition to mum guilt, so many of us feel. How do we make it better for our children when we; can’t spend enough time with them, get angry at them when really it’s our own stuff, ignore them or put ourselves first? We buy them more things to try and make up for our shortfalls and imperfections.
Where does all of this lead…to entitled and spoiled children!?
Seeing the joy of your child when they form a special bond with their favourite toy, is priceless. But building a strong, deep connection with your child so that they feel understood, heard and safe, is even more important.
I find most adults will have a few memories that revolve around certain toys they had during their childhood, but primarily memories will be formed from occasions and events that left a mark. The safety they felt in mum's arms when they were sick. The joy they felt on their birthday when they were valued and made to feel important. The laughs they had when spending time with the family on a regular Friday night playing board games. The list goes on.
How can you create more of these lasting memories for your kids? It doesn’t have to be complex or complicated. Simple traditions leave a mark and often get passed from generation to generation. It can be occasions like watching lightning storms from a nearby lookout, a special Christmas Eve movie tradition or going for a weekly bike ride with the family.
Don’t go over complicating your children’s world. All they need is right here. All they need is you! For you to be present. For you to be interested in them. For you to care!
With a belief that everything happens for a reason, Nicola trusts that we are given all we need to be able to handle any situation life throws at us. As a qualified Nutritionist, Spiritual counsellor and Parenting coach, Nicola is a devoted mum who values family and commitment. She is committed to providing others the very best possible care in order to achieve true wellness, so that they too can live the life they dream of.
Website: wholisticalignment.com.au
Instagram: @wholistic_alignment