Last year I found myself struggling to find joy in my parenting. Granted, I was overwhelmed…but this year I want to make more of a point to find the joy. So yesterday I decided to write down (in my notes app) every time I felt joyful. At the end of the day as my head hit the pillow I read over everything I had written down. I was surprised by all the joyful moments I had and recognized. It helped me go to bed feeling grateful and thankful. Sometimes, in parenting we just need to pause and take notice…because all too often the hard and frustrating moments are what we remember at the end of the day. Below is the list I made: I challenge you to do the same…especially on days when you are lacking joy.

As I continue to think about finding joy in parenting, I also have to ask myself what do I love to do with my kids? On days when I’m lacking joy, could it be that I need to be a little creative in my parenting too and go do the things that I love to do with my kids! We can be intentional about creating joyful moments! Here are some examples that I find joy in doing with my kids:

• Being outside in nature, go on a hike

• Experiencing new things together. What is something we have never done in our city?

• Cuddle time…lets make a pillow bed and watch a movie!

• Creating an art project together. Break out the duct tape and cardboard boxes!

• Surprising my kids! Skip school for a day, or take them out for ice cream unexpectedly!

  What do you love to do with your kids?