I was at the Cincinnati Zoo recently with my toddler. We were having a great time enjoying all the animals and exhibits. As I typically do anytime I’m out doing something different or fun and as a common saying goes, ‘If it’s not on social media, it didn’t happen,” I found myself telling my son to smile for various pictures. It was one particular animal exhibit, though, that caught me off guard.
“Turn around for a picture,” I said to him.
My son didn’t turn around.
A line of other guests who wanted a similar picture started to form.
“Please turn around!” I emphasized.
Still nothing from my son, other than his amazement for the animal before him.
I snapped a picture of his back turned to me, all while he was looking at the animal. I quickly moved him so other guests could get that perfect picture that I couldn’t successfully get.
Within minutes, though, I realized, that my son taught me an important lesson that day.
Stop taking my picture, mom.
We take pictures and videos so we can enjoy a particular moment for days, months, and years to come. Why can’t we enjoy the moment in the moment?!
Was my outing with my son less enjoyable because I didn’t get a particular picture? Absolutely not. Did my son not have a good time because he won’t have that picture-perfect moment to remember when he’s older? Nope.
Moms, let’s put down the camera every once and a while and enjoy the moment as it’s happening.
This is a great reminder for all aspects of our lives, not just taking pictures.
Could I be doing dishes when my kid just wants a few minutes of cuddling? Sure. While my mind might want to be focused on my to-do list, I know in the future I will miss my child wanting to enjoy a few minutes of cuddling with me.
The homework that I may get frustrated with and my 1st grader who is just looking for guidance? I know down the road, I’ll miss my child asking me for help.
I’m sure most moms have heard this before, but it can not be said enough. Enjoy the moment.
There is no guarantee for what lies ahead, and no picture, chore, or anything else will change that.
While it might seem that society wants us to share everything, let’s take time to enjoy the moments, and our kids experiencing those moments, in our memories for as long as we can.
