LOVE. LIFE. TIP #8
Davina
9 Comments
safe.
Beds are a safe place in our family. Every night we read to our kids there, sing, and talk about the things in their lives that are important, exciting, or scary. They are the safe place to spill your guts,cry, be comforted, be listened to, and be heard.
I know it sounds a little crazy.
This sweet moment with Mike and Gracie happened just as the day was getting started. Gracie felt that she was being left out of the play and the kids were wanting to do some grown up playing that they didn't think exactly worked with Gracie involved. Sometimes it's tough to only be four years old-- wishing you could be older. I love though, that she knows that she can come to us and we'll have the time to talk to her, hear her sadness, and get a sweet and understanding hug.
Don't wait to make a safe place in your home. A place where anything can be said and heard. A place where your toughest secrets can be shared and a place where you know you'll be loved no matter what the rest of the world may think.
One night when I was laying in bed with Emma talking about how scary school had been, how much she didn't like going, and how much she missed Gracie and I every day..the truest reason school was so scary finally came out. Emma was scared of lunch time. She would stress out as she stood there looking at all the choices knowing she had to decide with all of the class standing behind her telling her to hurry up. She couldn't take the pressure. Right then and there we decided to look at the lunch menu every night so that she could decide if she wanted to eat lunch at school and, if she did, what specifically, she was going to eat or if she was going to take a lunch. Since that day school has been wonderful for her. World Problem Solved. There's something about the sleepy time just before bed, talking about the way the day went, the lights being off, and wanting to make sure everything in the world is just right before falling off to dream land.
No matter when or where -make sure there are safety places in your life and home. You'll have wonderful moments that will open your eyes to the depth of you and the sweet people you live with.
love. LIFE.
Reader Comments (9)
That is so sweet... Love that shot of Mike and Gracie!
Davina - I love this touching post. What a wonderful reminder of creating safe places in our lives.
Your pictures are on the guidedognews newsletter for August. Check it out at: www.guidedogs.com
Love it.....you are such great parents! One thing I have learned is you are never sorry for time spent with your children!! The years pass by so quickly so having your prioritys in the right order and making memories that you can treasure forever is so important! Family First.......for sure!!
What great advice and that was a great post...definitely a reminder to slow down and make time for family above all else. Thank you for the reminder Davina!
Oh Davina, THANK YOU for posting this. I needed it. So often my children want to share at night and i'm so just wanting them to "go to sleep already" that I dont always take the time to hear what they have to share. Calling it a time to be safe really resonated with me. You are an inspiration in so many ways!!
What a very tender moment. Thanks for sharing the things that we all need to remember each day. It's nice to see Mike as his true self before he hits the office! Sweet picture of the two of them.
Millie, me too!
Becky and Cricket, that's wonderful! I'm so excited!
Becky, hear! hear! I totally agree. You are such a great mom and the epitome of remembering that!
Jessi, you're welcome! Thank you so much for commenting.
Nicole, thank you so much for letting me know that this post helped you. I have to say those nights are definitely there for me too when I'm just saying, "go to sleep already". I'm trying to make the majority of them spending those last few minutes reminding them I love them before they fall off to sleep. Let me know how it goes for you!
Carolyn, Mike is such a sweet day. I'm very lucky.
What an awesome family tip! I will remember this as me and my husband look forward to our future family. Please hug your girls for me... because they were so brave to have their stories (fears) told to the blog world. I love being a virtual part of your family!!
Davina,
You have always inspired me as a photographer and friend. I'm so glad I've had the chance to rub shoulders with you and can continue to gain from your wisdom and love. Thank you for sharing the positive experiences you have with your children. One day when it's my turn to have a family I hope I will be able to create the same sort of positive, safe haven you have for your own! Thanks for the constant inspiration! Michelle :0)