I am fiercely overprotective of my daughter’s schedule, wanting her to have free time to do what brings her a sense of joy and amazement. Last week, I watched as she jumped to do yoga with my husband. As soon as he laid out the blue green blanket, she asked, “Can I do yoga with you Daddy?” Of course, my husband couldn’t meet her question with any resistance. He spent almost forty minutes, teaching her various poses, downward dog, warrior pose, and stretches that come with this practice.
Her sense of glee and happiness filled me up. She smiled in-between poses, asking her Daddy, “Am I doing it right?” Periodically, she reminded me that she was doing yoga with her other best friend. It was an impromptu moment, something that was born out of her watching and wanting to participate. I wondered, “What if I had something scheduled at this time? Would she miss out on something she might truly love in the future? think happen when we are not paying attention. When we aren’t looking out for it. Or when it isn’t scheduled. I think children are the same. There minds are filled with the innocence of first looks and I believe they often respond to the universe whispering to them.
This was something that wasn’t required or scheduled. And I think that amazement she displays on her face, is reflective of what is so pure and wondrous about this stretch of love.
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Are you often surprised what fills your kids with amazement?
Welcome! I am a lawyer turned freelance writer, essayist, and editor. On staff at Literary Mama and the co-founder and co-editor of the literary journal, The Sunlight Press, my essays and reported work have appeared in The Washington Post, The Lily, Saveur, Civil Eats, Brain, Child, ESPN and elsewhere. I am currently at work on a memoir on grief and culture and how it provides perspective on life’s ordinary graces. I invite you to appreciate the ordinary with me. I hope my daily practice of seeing the magic in the mundane helps you celebrate and find more of these moments in your life too.
This is lovely. Most times the best moments are those unscheduled . How sweet they shared this . 🙂 a stretch of love- love that!
I think it is adorable that they had this moment together. It was quite sweet and innocent. All the things that are great about childhood.
One of my sources of joy is to catch the look of amazement in my daughter’s eyes. Her own joy of discovery can be infectious and I bask in her light as she glows with new found wonderment.
It is a priceless feeling, isn’t it? I am certain you are basking in newborn amazement (when you aren’t too tired). xoxo
Like you I am fiercely protective of my children’s schedules as well! It comes from my own difficulty managing a busy schedule, but more because I see how easily they become overwhelmed and tired. I would like their lives to unfold according to their own interestes, as opposed to what decisions I make for them or things I choose to sign them up for.
P.S. Loved this photo!!
Thanks Christine. I think it is important for my daughter to cultivate what she wants to do. Part of parenting is to guide your children, instead of envisioning what YOU would like for them to pursue.
This is a lovely photograph…pure joy sometimes comes in unexpected moments.
Thanks Suzicate. There is an element of posing in this photograph, but I still liked it.
40 minutes? Your daughter has a longer attention span than me! Good for her!
I know! I admire her attention span when it comes to yoga. It doesn’t necessarily translate to other areas in her life.
Lucky her! I didn’t take a yoga class until I was in college and I’ve loved it ever since! My son constantly surprises me and yes, we’re pretty good at making sure he has plenty of time to select activities that he really enjoys. Makes for a happier home, I think.
I am amazed at all of the activities and options available to her. Because her introduction to yoga has come early in life – I am hoping she cultivates enough interest to pursue it in her adulthood.
How delightful! I just came from yoga. . . great timing to read this:) I, too, am careful about my daughters’ schedules. Leaving open time. Ironically, one thing I have recently committed to is taking my eldest daughter to yoga with me on Thursday evenings. I wouldn’t do as well teaching as your husband. That father/daughter picture is priceless.
Thanks Amy for your thoughtful comment. I think it is great that you take your daughter with yoga. It allows her to do a shared activity with you and teaches her a great form of exercise/meditation.