To all of you raising children: the days of parenting are a mix of joy and challenge, aren't they? But there are also moments when you have no room to truly enjoy "today," or can't feel the joy of time with your family and children. I feel that way sometimes too. With those feelings in mind, let's think together about how we can make the most of "today".
Why living "today" is hard
When you're raising children, every day flies by. From morning to night you're chasing after childcare and housework, with work and caring for others on top, and you barely get any time for yourself. In the middle of all that, you sometimes have no room to enjoy the day.
For example, you might miss the moment your child smiles at you, or not find time to relax with your family. Your mind drifts to tomorrow's plans and worries about the future, and living "in this moment" feels hard.
I, too, sometimes think "What should I do tomorrow?" before noticing my child's small steps of growth.
The worries that pile up in parenting
As parents, we want so much to be "good parents" for our children that we end up being overly considerate of others and carrying all kinds of worries.
- Is my child healthy?
- Is this the right way to teach and discipline them?
- Will my child be happy in the future?
When worries like these pile up, it feels as if the "future" is pressing in on "tomorrow." There are moments when you feel you can't get through it with just "today." But think about it: "No matter what we do, we can't know what will happen tomorrow or in the future." Even knowing that in your head, the worries don't stop. I understand that feeling so well.
Don't worry too much about the future
Thinking about the future makes anxiety grow and grow. But the only thing we can truly decide is what we entrust "today" to.
- Make today a time to laugh with your child.
- Make today a day to deepen your family bond.
- Make today a day to take even a little care of yourself.
By focusing on "today" this way, tomorrow and the future will naturally head in a good direction, don't you think?
For example, why not think about these in your heart:
- What is right? (being kind to your child, teaching them well)
- What is worth loving? (your child's smile, family time)
- What deserves respect? (parents who raised their children well before you)
Living "today" with these in mind should be a step toward less anxiety about the future.
Feel "today" through small goals
While raising children, you often have no room for big goals. But having "small, achievable, low-risk, happy goals" helps you spend each day a little more positively.
For example:
- Think of a game the whole family can play
- Make time for yourself (or yourselves) at least once a week, even briefly
- Draw one "dream for the future" (in pictures or words on paper)
Even small goals like these bring a sense of "healing" when you achieve them, and give you a chance to be aware of "today." And piling them up leads to big hopes and goals. "Worrying too much won't change anything." That's exactly why it's worth consciously feeling today's small joys.
Make "today" a treasure
Parenting is often hard, but your child's growth and time with your family are irreplaceable treasures. Because the days pass so quickly, living "today" fully lets you feel that joy more deeply. The moment your child calls you "Mommy" or "Daddy," the time around the dinner table, the feeling of a tight hug. Keep those "today" moments in your heart as treasures. I, too, want to feel the joy of living today together with all of you.
To everyone raising children: today comes only once. Why not set your worries aside a little and consciously enjoy your child's smile and time with your family? As a fellow parent, I want to make "today" a treasure together with you.
Supervised by an occupational therapist
