Parenting…. Plus Style
Changing Leaves

Changing leaves, cooler weather, and the end of summer vacation…fall is the time of the year where we are reminded to appreciate and show thanks for the ending cycles that surround us. If spring is the time of new growth and fresh outlooks, then fall is the time to appreciate our hard work and assess how we have grown. Sometimes cycles of life roll so quickly that we do not always take time to appreciate, show thanks, and honor the changes around us. This column provides you with suggestions for taking time to appreciate and show thanks as the seasons change.

Last year at this time, my four-month-old son and I enjoyed taking stroller rides in the crisp autumn air and rolling in the crunchy colorful leaves. This year, his rolling stage has passed as he stomps through the leaves on two feet. I appreciated him when he was tiny. I appreciate him now as he is still so small yet so mobile. What little things do your kids do daily that make you smile?

Sometimes I pick up my son and just wish time could stop for awhile. Just so we could have those extra minutes to cuddle or play. Just so I could preserve the moment a little longer and ignore the passing of time. Just so we can pause. And just be. As difficult as it may seem, we have to respect that every cycle has a beginning and an end. Take a few seconds to think about something enjoyable that you did last year at this time. How has your life changed in just one-year cycle of time?

I treasure the photographs that visually illustrate our journey called life. In fact, I have become a scrapbook addicted mom who uses every spare moment to create fun pages that will be a journal for us to look back on someday. When is the last time you pulled out the camera and took some fun photos with your kids? Taking photos outside with the fall background could be a lot of fun! Also, looking through an old photo album with your children could be a great way to observe and appreciate together how we all change and grow. Do you have old photos of grandparents and great-grandparents that you could share?

The New Year’s resolutions that we made many months ago still linger somewhere in our minds. Fall is the time to reassess some of those commitments we made to ourselves over the past year. What have you completed this year that gives you a sense of pride? What are you still working on that you would like to have done by the end of this year? This could be a good discussion to have with your children or partner also. 

There is beauty in endings. The fall leaves started off as fresh green buds in the spring, but are now beautiful strong orange and red colors as they are ending their life cycle. We are able to appreciate this ending and the beauty they have provided. Just like our kids start out as soft, fresh, tiny kissable babies. As their life cycle continues, we can take time to appreciate how they grow and change. How have your kids changed this year? What wonderful new experiences have they had? How have you handled some of the challenges?

In the spring we took time to “smell the roses.” This fall, I hope you take time to frolic in the leaves!

Monica Rasso © 2006

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Monica Rasso has recently started a new home based business allowing her to both create a safe environment for her precious baby boy and spend more time at home. Find out more about the environmentally safe products she sells or learn how you can start your own home based business by visiting: Melaleuca and Safe Healthy Family .

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