Childhood goes quickly. When we reach adulthood, most of us realize how fast childhood went. Unfortunately, it seems as if your kid’s childhood will move even faster than your own did. Every day my kids are growing and changing and the time is clicking down to the day when they’ll leave the nest. Even though I know their childhood will be over in the blink of an eye, it’s easy to get distracted with less important things. But, intentional moms know that this short time period with our kids, well… that’s it. We get one chance at a good childhood for our kids. Here are eleven things that intentional moms do to savor and utilize the time they have with their kids.
What does it mean to be an intentional mom?
Being an intentional mom means being purposeful in your actions and decisions regarding your children. It is about creating a childhood for them that is rich, full, and meaningful. Intentional moms are not perfect moms – they are real women who make mistakes, but they learn from those mistakes and keep moving forward with the goal of providing their children with the best childhood possible. Check out this book about Intentional Motherhood if you need more ideas.
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Martin, Jamie C. (Author)
Your vision of motherhood
Have you thought about what your vision of motherhood looks like? Similarly, do you know what you want your children’s childhood to be like? Answering these questions is the first step in becoming an intentional mom. Once you have a clear vision of what you want for your family, you can begin to make decisions that will help you achieve that goal.
Things intentional moms do:
Have you ever wondered the best way to soak in your kids childhood, while also doing all the things? Here are some things intentional moms do:
Intentional moms show love frequently
One of the most important things that intentional moms do is to express their love for their children frequently. This doesn’t mean that you have to tell your kids that you love them every five minutes, but it does mean finding ways to show them your love on a daily basis. Hugs, kisses, and words of affirmation are all great ways to do this.
Intentional moms are patient
Patience is a virtue that all mothers need, but it is especially important for intentional moms. Why? Because being an intentional mom means making conscious decisions about your child’s upbringing, and sometimes those decisions can take time to bearing fruit. So, if you’re working on potty training your toddler or teaching your elementary schooler to read, know that it takes time and be patient with the process.
Intentional moms savor the moment
One of the best things about being an intentional mom is that you get to savor all of the special moments with your children. From their first steps to their first day of school, every milestone is an opportunity to stop and reflect on how far they’ve come. Intentional moms take the time to celebrate these moments with their children, because they know that they won’t last forever. It’s easier said than done, but taking time to savor the moment will increase you and your child’s happiness.
Intentional moms prioritize one-on-one time with their kids
One of the best ways to connect with your children is to spend one-on-one time with them. This is something that intentional moms make a priority. Whether it’s reading together before bed or going on a special daddy-daughter date, taking the time to focus on just one child at a time shows them that they are important to you.
Need ideas for one-on-one time with your kids? Reading one of the following:
100+ Ideas for Mother Daughter Dates
The Ultimate List of Daddy Daughter Date Ideas
Intentional moms model Positive Behaviors
The saying goes that children learn by example, and this is certainly true when it comes to modeling behavior. If you want your kids to be kind, patient, and hardworking, then you need to model those behaviors for them. Intentional moms are aware of the power of their example and they use it to teach their children how to behave. This can work for anything from keeping your room clean, to trying new experiences.
Intentional moms make time for fun
They know that childhood is a special time and they want their kids to enjoy it. So, plan fun activities, take trips to the park, and make sure there is plenty of laughter in your home! The fun you plan doesn’t have to be overwhelming either! Keep it simple and let your child lead. Kids naturally know how to have fun. Just lean into that natural inclination.
Intentional moms have goals of their own
Just because you’re a mom doesn’t mean that you have to put your own goals on the back burner. In fact, intentional moms make it a priority to pursue their own dreams and aspirations. Why? Because they know that their children are watching and they want to show them that it’s possible to achieve anything if you set your mind to it. It also means you’ll be happier and show up the way you want to with your family.
Intentional moms know what to let go of
There is no such thing as a perfect mother, and intentional moms know this. They also know that they can’t do everything. So, they are careful about what they take on and what they let go of. This allows them to focus on the things that are truly important to them and their family. It’s okay to say no to the things that aren’t serving your family. Drop a few things that aren’t as important to you.
Intentional moms unplug
In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in the constant stream of information that is available at our fingertips. But intentional moms know that they need to unplug from technology in order to focus on what’s important. They make a conscious effort to put away their phones and laptops when they’re with their kids and to really be present in the moment. Most mom’s I know struggle to unplug. Set small goals in the beginning, and slowly work up to disconnecting totally during family time. Even if it just means putting your phone away during dinner so you can focus on your kids.
Intentional moms are grateful
Gratitude is an important part of being an intentional mom. Why? Because it helps you to focus on the good, even when things are tough. Intentional moms take the time to appreciate all that they have, and this attitude of gratitude rubs off on their children. I find that gratitude doesn’t just happen either. I have to build it into my day. For example, writing in a gratitude journal nightly, and requesting that each family member shares the best part of their day at dinner.
Intentional moms are not perfect
There is no such thing as a perfect mother. You are going to mess up. You’ll make your kids feel bad. Sometimes you’ll wonder if you’ve done anything right. But as you try to be intentional about your parenting and your children’s upbringing you will make progress. Intentional mothers make it a priority to be aware of their own behavior, to connect with their children, and to pursue their own goals. They know that parenting is a journey, and they are intentional about making it a positive one.
What are some of the things that you do as an intentional mom? Share in the comments below!
