I did not have babies or toddlers during a pandemic. My youngest is ten, however, not a babe in arms or a toddler toddling. Dear mom of young ones, the opportunities I had years ago are slightly different today for sure. Don’t lose heart or bypass the word opportunity. During these pandemic days, I think a lot about what moms need, particularly young moms. I keep coming back to these words: ‘I will call you’ as an opportunity for blessing. Lately, my youngest has been creatively teaching me about opportunities and trusted connections, despite the temptation to view this time as potentially wasteful.

An important reality is to have a trusted connection during these very odd and somewhat inconvenient days.

It may seem too simple, it’s just a call. However, right now we are forced to think and act outside our normal, everyday routine and it can be frustrating, especially for those that thrive on a predictable schedule. On the other hand, flexibility can appear romantic but offer nothing but broken plans. The balance of both routine and flexibility is a unique relationship, a blended compliment. Even before the pandemic, as a young mom, the reality is that your child could wake with a fever, childcare fall through or the school phones to ask to collect your sick child. Each moment may have started within the context of a well-planned routine, but quickly fell in step with necessary flexibility. If you don’t flex, it is more likely you will become frazzled, impatient and well, irritated at everything and everyone. This is exactly when we need someone on the other end of the phone listening and providing a safe place to share and be heard, and they in turn, need you. I have watched my youngest listen, laugh and share her heart countless times reminding me of the blessing in a call. Whether introvert or extrovert, connecting is life-giving. An extrovert perhaps gains the momentum needed for the daily grind through time spent with others, the introvert may enjoy the solitude of home for sustenance and rest. Either one, or combination of both, you are connected to someone that is likely the opposite inside or outside of you home.  Especially during these days, listening and watching closely for the needs of your own family and beyond will bless them, and ultimately you! 

Talking with someone leads to idea forming.

Talking with someone leads to idea forming. As mothers, food prep is always on the mind. Sharing child-friendly recipes leads to creative solutions simplifying our days. Seeking online recipes can overwhelm sometimes, but when a friend shares a specific recipe, I am more likely to try it out with my own family. Little hands can make a big mess, but the interaction with ingredients and time with you is always worth the messy effort! 

Recently, my daughter and some very special friends have been over-the-top creative. They designed a craft box, dropped it on their doorstep and planned a playdate on FT to open the boxes and cut, colour, glue, write stories and even share ideas about food to eat while they craft. Yes, it took effort but allowed for many hours of interactive fun, an opportunity to bond with friends creatively. Of course, this is still a second option in their hearts. They are desperate to see one another in person and play Groovy Girls, Lego Friends or Barbies. What about crafts? Does that word make you shudder? No glitter or glue for you? Another great reason to reach out to others for advice. You don’t need to be crafty to craft! My daughter came up with most of the ideas for the box! Just be willing to reach beyond your comfort zone. As we talk, ideas form and become a needed blessing!

It’s all about inspiring one another. FaceTime while you are cooking, washing dishes or simply sipping a coffee/tea. My sisters and I often set up the phone to chat about the everyday moments while actually living it out in real time. This is how we shift, for now, while we wait for this moment in time to become a story of what once was.

I began a moms group years ago and I called it Millennial Moms. The name had nothing to do with what you may be thinking. It was not a discussion about today’s millennials! This was back in 1999 when I had one baby. A group of new moms enjoying time out connecting with others sharing our joys and confusion of motherhood, perfect for our stage of life. We met at different homes after our class and in-between. One of those moms I consider to be my dearest friend. Our kids still connect, and our girls are going to university this fall together. I look back and thank God for the small decisions I was prompted to make that led me to creating this group. It began with an idea, multiple conversations and met the needs of many moms.

The time will come again to meet in groups like this, for now, simply reach out to other moms creating opportunities that will lead to sharing ideas and strengthened relationships, maybe for years to come!

Look for the opportunities around, don’t lose heart mom, you are not alone!

Delicious Ideas:

Deep Space Sparkle Spring Ideas

Scientific Wonders:

How are rainbows made – Wonder Science

A wonderful listen today!