The Beginning of Life

     I recently watched a Netflix documentary called "The Beginning of Life" ( I love documentaries!)  This one really hit home with me though, and I thought I would share a few things that I took away from this film. (I also encourage all of you to check it out.)

TAKE AWAYS: 

#1  We made the right decision for me to take a leave of absence from teaching. (More on how this came about in my next post)

    

The first five years of a child's life are critical in their development.  The relationships they form and the experiences they have will play a huge part in their future, and ultimately who they will become as adults.  Having the opportunity to be with my kids daily during this critical stage of their life is such a blessing and one I am thankful for every day. 

#2 Our kids need us, not things. 

    This documentary was from many peoples perspectives.  All over the world. All different background, socio-economic statuses, religions, etc.  There is one thing that is constant among children.  They need their parents.  Not the latest high-tech toy.  Not a brand new bike.  Not a fancy house or a gourmet meal.  They need us. Love, affection, and time.  It's simple, yet easy to forget in a world filled with the latest and greatest new gadget.  

#3  It's okay for kids to be bored.  

      Not 2 days after I first watched this documentary,  (I watched it twice because I told Mark he needed to see it too) I was in the kitchen attempting to make dinner.  I say attempting because this is a monumnetal task each day.  Between Nora wanting to "help", Owen telling me how hungry he is and Emmett crying (his fussy time), I feel like I should win a prize by the time dinner is on the table.  Anyway, I was trying to make dinner and Nora, as usual was getting into the cupboards and pulling out pans.  Normally I would ask her to put them away.  I decided to see what she was going to do with them.  Owen became interested too.  Before I knew it, this was happening.....

Boredom brings creativity. 

#4 Investing in our kids is not just a "good thing" to do....it is our responsibility. 

     You are probably thinking...."DUH Katie!"  We all know when we become parents that our lives are forever changed.  We are now responsible for another human being.  A life that we hope and pray grows up to be kind and give back to others.  What a HUGE job.  Not one to be taken lightly.  Again, this is something that we all know, but this film was such a great reminder to me to take each day and experience with my kids for what it is.  Instead of getting frustrated, remember that the difficulties are opportunites for learning to take place in my kids, and for me too.  

I am going to leave you with my favorite quote from this documentary.  

"When you pay attention to the beginning of a story, you can change the whole story. "

-Raffi-

Love,

Katie