As your kids get older they are often so much more independent. They have their own schedules and their own desires…and they are less likely to be willing to run errands with you. And maybe you even resist taking them with you in the name of a little peace and quiet. But rethink that if you will.
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THE TEEN YEARS GO BY SO FAST
It seems so silly but a quick trip to the grocery store is a great way to spend a little one on one time with your teen. Ask for their advice on food choices for the family and chat with them about their day and what’s been going on in their world. Talk to them about how shopping was with them when they were little, maybe take a spin through the toy aisle and reminisce a bit. Talk about little every day things…and grab a photo. You likely used to take photos of them in the cart…now get a photo of your giant kid as he takes the cart away from you.
Do you have a job or hobby that you love? Something that you can bring your kids along with you? If your kid shows interest…or even if they aren’t sure…bring them along. It gives you another chance to connect with them. To teach them and to learn from them. Get photos as they are trying something new and allow for them to help you.
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tiny snapshots of our lives
IDEAS FOR FINDING ORDINARY MOMENTS TO TREASURE
- Quick trips to the grocery store – have them help, let them learn about menu planning and budgeting – and take photos.
- Practices and games – with my kids all so close in age and often doing the same things we all went to practices together in their early teen years. This made for opportunities for homework help, little conversations, supporting our siblings and photos.
- Exercise – maybe your kids want (or need) to tag along. Grab a selfie or two with your kiddo.
- Exploring your city – in the name of adventure go out and about with your teen. They may resist a bit – but in the end you might both just end up having a lot of fun.
- Work – sometimes it’s inevitable and they need to tag along. As they’re hanging out waiting for you grab a quick photo.
And if they ask if they can jump in the giant puddle in the parking lot – go ahead and say yes. It makes for a great photo.
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TINY SNAPSHOTS OF OUR LIVES
I love seeing these little moments in those collages above. It’s a fun reminder that even in the in between moments there is a lot of love. As the kids are now all out of the house, these images hold even more magic for me…and hopefully for them. The photographs that we’ll be most likely getting now will be at holidays and family vacations with a few seemingly ordinary moments thrown in here and there. It’s also a reminder to me that we’ve spent an awful lot of time at Target and at sports practices.
When the kids ask you to take them to the bookstore or record store or they need new football cleats – say yes. Let them take the lead, take a step back and view the scene as a quiet observer. And take the photo. Always take the photo. You won’t regret it.
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The last moments of seemingly “normal” things are amazing…and you don’t want to miss them. It was one of the last quick shopping trips before the youngest went off to college and he came to the store with me. I went to take the cart back and he stopped me, telling me it was his favorite thing to do on a grocery trip. As I watched him go I grabbed this quick photo with the sun setting on a perfectly ordinary everyday moment of a trip to our neighborhood grocery store. I’m glad I didn’t miss this moment.
There are little pieces of life all around you, don’t let them pass you by…observe and look closer. See what magic you can find in your everyday. Looking for more tips and tricks on how to document the everyday moments of your life? Take a look at the blog posts all about storytelling and try out some of the ideas.
xo,
c
