I think kids need structure, safety, attachment, and the freedom to just be. We stress too much. Give yourself grace and know that you really can't screw it up. My 22 years in the classroom have proved this to me. Enjoy your time with your children and do your best. You'll all be better for it.
Such a beautifully written perspective. The idea that children learn how to live by simply being woven into the fabric of a purposeful home life really resonates. I work in children's publishing and see how much kids thrive when they're given space to explore, create and problem-solve naturally — through play, hands-on activities and real-world experiences rather than worksheets. This piece is such a grounding reminder that the richest learning happens in the everyday moments we share with them.
I work a few days and am home with 3.5 year old daughter the rest, and often I am asked what we have “planned” and when my daughter will go to school—or even if I’m worried she won’t transition to preschool/kindergarten well. Just this past week, we painted tulip garlands, planted seeds, baked banana muffins, cleaned the bathroom together, played with clay, listened to audiobooks, went to the gym (gym childcare!!!), grocery shopped, helped my MIL with moving, reorganized her room, took my car to the mechanic, etc.
I have been reflecting on this so much, too, lately! I feel like women today need to be more built up and encouraged - they need to know they are who God has placed in their homes to build the atmosphere that they want. It’s a huge responsibility but also, a privilege. I get all the feels you described in your post, but also, such truth. We need to be better prepared as young moms to BE at home. And not have to feel like we are constantly entertaining our kids (which makes them more egotistical, if anything!)
Oh this is so timely. I’ve been feeling like I need to start school with my 3 year old (just turned 3) so this actually brings so much relief. I also tend to try and do work around the house when the kids are napping or occupied so this also gave me a different perspective!
Thank you for putting words to why I was disturbed when one of my friends recently started schooling her 4yo. I was really puzzled by a comment she made that “she likes to spend time with her children but doesn’t always know what to do,” and now I understand.
“Regardless of whether your child becomes a stay at home parent, an electrician, or an astrophysicist, you are teaching them how to live in its basic essence.” ~ fantastic. Thank you for this thought provoking read, Emily!
I say to other mom's all the time, these are your memories, too. Cultivate your home in the way that serves your soul, and the soul of your children will rise alongside yours.
I have been really struggling to keep my almost 2 year old profitably occupied, especially since my arms are full with a newborn. I appreciated this article very much. Though I would have liked some more practical suggestions on how to get through the days! She can help work but is a little young for most work, and she's not to the age where she plays independently very well. It is a blessing to be home with my children, but some days are just so overwhelming! Thanks for your encouragement!
I think a big difference is isolation. Previous generations lived closer to family or knew their neighbours. Kids played out, mums and the kids went to the same shop most days. We also are educated much more than previous generations and so that shift from having careers to bring at that home is a shock that affects more of us. I've seen the same challenges for my husband who is looking after our kids whilst I work
What women need is people to stop assuming that women are the ones who are always and should be home with their kids, so that society might get around to actually creating better systems so that moms OR dads or both could be home.
I think kids need structure, safety, attachment, and the freedom to just be. We stress too much. Give yourself grace and know that you really can't screw it up. My 22 years in the classroom have proved this to me. Enjoy your time with your children and do your best. You'll all be better for it.
Such a beautifully written perspective. The idea that children learn how to live by simply being woven into the fabric of a purposeful home life really resonates. I work in children's publishing and see how much kids thrive when they're given space to explore, create and problem-solve naturally — through play, hands-on activities and real-world experiences rather than worksheets. This piece is such a grounding reminder that the richest learning happens in the everyday moments we share with them.
I work a few days and am home with 3.5 year old daughter the rest, and often I am asked what we have “planned” and when my daughter will go to school—or even if I’m worried she won’t transition to preschool/kindergarten well. Just this past week, we painted tulip garlands, planted seeds, baked banana muffins, cleaned the bathroom together, played with clay, listened to audiobooks, went to the gym (gym childcare!!!), grocery shopped, helped my MIL with moving, reorganized her room, took my car to the mechanic, etc.
I have been reflecting on this so much, too, lately! I feel like women today need to be more built up and encouraged - they need to know they are who God has placed in their homes to build the atmosphere that they want. It’s a huge responsibility but also, a privilege. I get all the feels you described in your post, but also, such truth. We need to be better prepared as young moms to BE at home. And not have to feel like we are constantly entertaining our kids (which makes them more egotistical, if anything!)
I really enjoyed reading this ~ thank you 🤍
So great!! Thank you for sharing!
Oh this is so timely. I’ve been feeling like I need to start school with my 3 year old (just turned 3) so this actually brings so much relief. I also tend to try and do work around the house when the kids are napping or occupied so this also gave me a different perspective!
My boy is only 18 months but I resonated with this hard!!
Thank you for putting words to why I was disturbed when one of my friends recently started schooling her 4yo. I was really puzzled by a comment she made that “she likes to spend time with her children but doesn’t always know what to do,” and now I understand.
“Regardless of whether your child becomes a stay at home parent, an electrician, or an astrophysicist, you are teaching them how to live in its basic essence.” ~ fantastic. Thank you for this thought provoking read, Emily!
I say to other mom's all the time, these are your memories, too. Cultivate your home in the way that serves your soul, and the soul of your children will rise alongside yours.
I have been really struggling to keep my almost 2 year old profitably occupied, especially since my arms are full with a newborn. I appreciated this article very much. Though I would have liked some more practical suggestions on how to get through the days! She can help work but is a little young for most work, and she's not to the age where she plays independently very well. It is a blessing to be home with my children, but some days are just so overwhelming! Thanks for your encouragement!
I have that Elsa Beskow print by the fireplace framed on my wall. :)
I think a big difference is isolation. Previous generations lived closer to family or knew their neighbours. Kids played out, mums and the kids went to the same shop most days. We also are educated much more than previous generations and so that shift from having careers to bring at that home is a shock that affects more of us. I've seen the same challenges for my husband who is looking after our kids whilst I work
What women need is people to stop assuming that women are the ones who are always and should be home with their kids, so that society might get around to actually creating better systems so that moms OR dads or both could be home.
So thankful I stumbled upon this article!!