Parenting is a mix of joy and challenge, isn't it? But sometimes we lose the space to truly enjoy "today," and there are moments when we can't feel joy in the time we spend with our family and children. I feel the same way at times. Let's think together about how we can treasure "today".
Why It's Hard to Live in "Today"
When you're raising children, the days fly by. From morning to night you're busy caring for the kids and doing housework, on top of work and looking after the people around you, so you hardly have any time for yourself. In the middle of all that, it's hard to have enough peace of mind to enjoy the day in front of you.
You might miss the moment your child laughs, or never find time to relax with your family. Before you know it, your mind has jumped ahead to tomorrow's schedule or worries about the future, and living in "this very moment" starts to feel difficult.
I sometimes catch myself thinking "What am I going to do tomorrow?" before I've even noticed my child's small steps of growth.
Worries That Pile Up in Everyday Parenting
Because we want to be "good parents" for our children, we tend to worry too much about what others think and to carry all kinds of concerns.
- Is my child's health okay?
- Am I doing the right thing with their education and discipline?
- Will my child be happy in the future?
When worries like these pile up, it can feel as if the "future" is closing in on "tomorrow." There are moments when we feel we can't get through it all, or cope, in just "today." But think about it for a moment. "No matter what we do, we can't know what will happen tomorrow or in the future.". Even when we know this in our heads, the worries don't stop, and I understand that feeling very well.
Don't Worry Too Much About the Future
When we think about the future, our anxiety keeps growing. But the only thing we can truly decide is what we devote "today" to.
- Make today a day to laugh together with your child.
- Make today a day to deepen your bond with your family.
- Make today a day to be at least a little kind to yourself.
By turning your attention to "today" like this, tomorrow and the future will naturally move in a good direction, don't you think?
For example, why not try asking yourself these questions:
- What is the right thing to do? (Treating your child kindly, giving them a sound education)
- What is worth loving? (Your child's smile, time with your family)
- What is worthy of respect? (A senior parent who has raised children well)
Living "today" with these in mind will be a step toward easing your anxiety about the future.
Feel "Today" Through Small Goals
When you're raising children, you often don't have room for big goals. But by setting "small goals that are achievable, low-risk, and make you happy", you can spend each day a little more positively.
For example:
- Think of a game the whole family can play together
- Make time for yourself (or for the two of you) at least once a week, even a short one
- Draw one "dream for the future" (express it with a picture or words on paper)
Even small goals like these bring a sense of comfort when you achieve them, and they help you stay aware of "today." And those small steps add up to bigger hopes and goals. "Worrying too much doesn't change anything." That's why it's worth consciously savoring today's small joys.
Make "Today" a Treasure
Parenting can be hard in many ways, but your child's growth and the time you spend with your family are irreplaceable treasures. Because the days pass so quickly, living "today" fully lets you feel that joy even more deeply. The moment your child calls you "Mama" or "Papa," the time spent around the table together, the feeling of a big hug: keep those moments of "today" in your heart as treasures. I want to keep feeling the joy of living today together with all of you.
To all the parents out there, today only comes once. Why not set your worries aside for a moment and consciously enjoy your child's smile and your time with your family? As a fellow parent, I'd love to make "today" a treasure together with you.
Supervised by an occupational therapist