A Window in Family Life

There are many seasons in family life, and we have just entered a narrow window. We’ve moved from the toddler stage (where I made many personal sacrifices) into the a period where the children are old enough to remember all the fun times we are experiencing together, but still young enough to do everything with us.

I remember something my Mum said about this stage of parenting (she died 5 years ago and I cherish memories that pop back into my mind).

She said something like this: “Kelly, every stage of parenting is special but when all the kids are at school, there is a small window of opportunity to create amazing memories.  Once you kids went to high school/university/work, you began to branch out and have your own life, and friends who joined the family too. This is great, but the family dynamics change. So enjoy the time when your children are in primary school/high school; make the most of it.”

I’m beginning to understand what she meant now. When I was in the first stage of parenting, I found it challenging, and while I cherish the memories of when my children were young, I didn’t find the period to be all that fun.  Now, our family has moved into the second stage of family life and we are making the most of it.

******************

I see the life with my family in pictures, and if I try and put this concept into graphics, it would play out like this: Achored by the Big Picture; Living in the Moment.

Anchored by the Big Picture

I’ve experienced family life through my growing up years, and now, as I create my own family life.  I’m a goal orientated person, so I’ve thought about each stage of family life in broad terms. This helps me focus on and enjoy the precious moments in each stage so I don’t wish it all away.  This diagram shows only my own thoughts/values/experiences.

Live the Moments

I look at the above and I see the building blocks: you have to get through stage one before you can successfully move to stage two, so on, so forth.  There’s no point trying to rush stage one because it’s the important part of the process.  When I know what stage I’m in I can accept it and then embrace the moments as they happen.

Right now, I’m embracing the concept of creating memories. With the big picture in the back of my mind as an anchor, I let go and live the moments as they come.  Below are some pictures of our recent inexpensive camping holiday, and  as I look at them, I see the moments, how they are creating memories, and edifying our family.

Family

Being with each other, developing relationships and sharing our time with friends and family.

Fun

Creating fun memories and putting positive times under our belt. (Drawing on postive times helps when our family goes through a rough patch.)

Adventure

Exploring, seeing, and doing as much as possible together.

Nature

Instilling a love and appreciation for the environment as we explore nature, and learn as we live.

Places

Visiting new places and loving familiar ones.

Food

Creating family traditions that are remembered long after the event has taken place.

{All pictures were taken with my iPhone 4 mobile. For tips on getting the most out of your mobile camera, click here.}

Be anchored by the big picture; live in the moment.

What do you value about family life? What stage are you in?