Intentionally Slowing Down in Motherhood

How often do you hear yourself say “Just hang on a minute.” “Let me finish this first.” “I’ll come soon.”. Let's just say I am super guilty of doing this, and probably daily. Intentionally slowing down is quite a skill, and something I am trying to learn and improve on.

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Motherhood is filled with these moments, the tug of tiny hands asking for our attention while we’re trying to finish the dishes, laundry, and our never ending to-do lists. And sometimes, those little words slip out before we even realise: 'hang on, just a minute'.

It was recently when I came across a poem from Jess Ulrich, that it reminded me how quickly those moments could turn into memories instead.

Our children don’t stay little for long, and one day, those same small voices will be busy at school, the house will be quiet. And then we’ll probably think back to the small tugging hands, their sweet invitations to play, their smiling eyes looking up at us - and we’ll wish we’d said “yes” just a little more often. 💛

The Gift of Slowing Down

Slowing down in motherhood isn’t always easy. We live in a world that praises productivity and busyness - but motherhood isn't and shouldn't be measured about how much we can do. It’s about how deeply we can be (which can look different for everyone).

When we pause, even for a few minutes - we create space for connection. Which could be a cuddle on the couch, a giggle over something silly, a play in the sandpit together, or even a quiet moment watching them discover something new. Those are the memories that fill our hearts far more than the tasks we rush to complete and want to get done so that we feel like we have achieved someting that day. Remember though, caring for our children is already enough, and some days the washing or cleaning can just wait.

Simple Ways to Be More Present

If slowing down feels impossible, start small. Here are a few ways to bring presence into your days:

• Sit down and read some stories with your little one.

• Set up a sensory play activity (check out our free Sensory Play At Home Ebook under Free Resources).

• Put down your phone and watch your little one as they interact with the world around them.

• Take a deep breath before saying “just a minute.” and ask yourself - could this be the moment that matters most?

• End the day with gratitude. Think of one thing that made you smile today.

• Let go of perfection. The house can wait. The dishes can wait. But that moment of connection and some of the biggest learning opportunites for our little ones - they won't wait.

  
  

From My Heart to Yours

I know too well just how easy it is to want to complete tasks around the home, and then become frustrated because our little one's are wanting us and each interruption mean's there is another delay in getting the task done.

But, here’s your gentle reminder today: Pause. Look up, and say “yes” Because one day, those little arms won’t reach for you quite as often - slowing down just enough so we can hold them tight, fills our cup more than getting the vacuuming done. Slowing down with intention is something we can learn, and does take a lot of practice.

With love,

Nicole Co-Founder of Nosey Toesie x