This will be the last blog entry for 2021, and will recommence in 2022. The theme of this blog is connected to this decision to take a pause even with the ability to schedule posts ahead of time, I think it is important to have times of the year where we disconnect from the constant connection to social media, screens, etc. This blog is focused on invitations to support ways to be present during the last part of this year:
1. Minimize screen time. Whether for you this means putting it on silent for the day and only checking it every couple of hours, or using an app to be mindful of your usage, or to commit to yourself to not check your phone while present with your children. 
2. Getting outside together. Having regular outside time as a family can do wonders for connection, self-regulation, and being present to the changing of the season. The winter solstice December 21 2021.
3. Find time to do nothing. Literally planning on the calendar downtime over the holidays to go with the flow of the day without the pressures of long to do lists.
4. Make a commitment to yourself of one way you will support yourself to be present each day, whether you turn on music and are present in the dancing moment with your children, or you commit to yourself to do short grounding or meditation each morning.
I wish you the gift of presence, and your ability to integrate this in meaningful ways for your own family!

This article speaks to supporting a sense of wonder, children's spiritual development and nurturing reflection. I believe this time of the year depending on religious or spiritual beliefs is a time to reflect upon which rituals and traditions are meaningful, and the opportunity to reinforce existing ones, transform ones, or creating new ones. This article gives ways to be curious and explore with your child their own sense of connection to spirituality, and what a wonderful time of year with the holiday season coming up, and the new year arriving shortly and with it the opportunity to commence new patterns. 

Parenting is one of the most complex journeys. Moments of connection help to give balance to the challenges of everyday life as a parent from patience being tested to repairing an argument to enjoying the milestone moments of witnessing your child grow and change. Below is an image I felt captured a moment of connection. I would invite you to sit with the image, notice if other images of your own connection with your children come up, and hold self-compassion for all you do as a parent.