ENJOY THE MOMENT

As I watched my daughter's swimming lesson, I couldn't help but smile at the group of toddlers having their lessons at the same time. It brought back fond memories of when my youngest child began swimming lessons as an infant.

Being part of her learning journey was an incredibly fun and exciting experience. Each parent was required to be in the pool, holding and guiding their infant through the lesson. Fast forward to today, and the girl is now older and confidently doing things on her own.

Throughout the lesson, she frequently glanced at me for approval after each lap in the pool, and I consistently greeted her with a smile.

Even though she is older it still matters to her that I am paying attention.

The parenting phase is a period during which our children continue to seek our approval and recognition, provided we have been integral to their support system.

In what ways are we supporting them as they mature and begin to navigate the world independently?

Does your acknowledgment mean anything to them?

Children excel when parents are present and recognize their efforts. The time of raising children coincides with one of the busiest periods of our lives, filled with building careers, pursuing education or professional exams, and launching businesses. By setting our priorities correctly, I am confident that we can successfully navigate this phase and thrive in it.

As school lets out for summer break, our children will have plenty of free time. How can we ensure this time is safe, enjoyable, and memorable for them?

How do we catch up with the missed opportunities to connect with them?

Consider these tips:

If your home can accommodate it, invite your child's friends over for a play date, especially if you prefer not to host sleepovers. Create a welcoming atmosphere and engage in the fun without being overbearing, while still maintaining order.

Feeding school-age kids during the summer is straightforward when you set aside concerns about junk food consumption. The advantage is that they burn calories quickly if they're engaged in physically active games.

Schedule a few staycation days into your calendar. Take a day off and enjoy a relaxed day with your family. Plan a movie or game night the evening before, let everyone sleep in the next morning, and forget about early morning chores. It's perfectly fine if someone wants to skip breakfast—just embrace a laid-back, "chillax" kind of day.

Take evening walks, visit the park, and reminisce about their younger days and the enjoyable activities they loved.

Engage in conversations about the future with curiosity, avoiding lectures or "when I was your age" comments. Approach as a parent eager to understand your child's perspective on life.

Make it a priority to attend your child's sporting events and cheer them on. Show genuine interest in the game by asking questions and learning more about it. If you miss a game, ask your child about it or have another parent capture videos or pictures for you, and discuss the highlights with your child.

Take the initiative to volunteer together at community events, church activities, summer camps, and other gatherings. These opportunities not only foster bonding but also allow you to make a positive impact on others.

Bills need to be paid; however, investing time in your child's life is invaluable and irreplaceable.

You have been graced to raise your child well.

Olawumi.