Most everybody tells me to really soak this time in as a mom of toddlers because it goes by so fast. Even on our hardest days I am aware of this because never has it been truer that “the days are long but the years are short”.

Argenis and I are all about quality time together. Whether we’re having breakfast at home, playing at the park or just stepping out for a walk before their nap time, we truly enjoy family time. We’re already talking about classes we want to enroll them into because we want them to try out as many things as they possibly can so they’re always learning, discovering what excites them and growing into themselves as more complete people. As much as I want them to be as involved as possible though, I also recently realized how much slow parenting we have been practicing since before we even knew what that meant.

A couple of days ago, I read an old Boston Globe article that a friend shared about slow parenting and it really stuck with me. “Slowing down and connecting with each other is about being mindful of what you’re doing,” says Carrie Contey, cofounder of Slow Family Living. It’s less about rushing between piano to dance to soccer lessons and more about being in the moment and cherishing the little moments.

When we walk around with Achilles and Jade, unless we’re in a hurry and going somewhere with a purpose, we let them explore. Whether it’s Jade stopping to talk to a stranger and pet their puppy or Achilles feeling adventurous because we let him run through the over grown grass on his own; we like to let them be a little wild and free so that enjoying themselves is less about what is scheduled for them and more about what they find along the way. Plus, it’s fun to sometimes let them lead the way and enjoy the path that they’re taking us on.

Of course I can’t wait to put them both into swimming lessons, see Jade in her little tutu ready for dance class and Achilles all suited up for soccer practice, but I absolutely love the days of us just walking around aimlessly enjoying nature or watching the way they quietly show love to each other with just a smile.

As a mom, I don’t want to just survive this stage of motherhood, I want to soak it all in and thrive as the best Mami I can be to my cuties.

What are your thoughts on slow parenting?

You may also enjoy: Life With Two Toddlers and Favorite Bedtime Toddler Books.