My five year old loves to linger on the way home from school, often stopping to balance along a ledge, run along an out of the way ramp, or go up some out of the way stairs. I often lose my patience with him but this is good reminder to let him experience these little joys at least once in awhile.

When we go out for walks around the neighborhood, my 4 year old likes to ride his tricyle...hasn't quite mastered the big bike yet. Each time we come upon a yard with landscaping near the sidewalk, he has to get off his tricyle and smell each different kind/color of flower and wants me to do the same. Sometimes I am so not excited for the walks because I know this little ritual is coming. Instead I need to appreciate his perceptiveness and sense of wonder. Someday I will wish we could again be spending time smelling the flowers together!

What a great reminder that we all need to slow down and let the children stop to smell the flowers!

This has been one of the most, most difficult things for me to do as the mother of two children who are so close in age. Spending so much time in survival mode between feedings and diaper changes doesn't lend itself to stopping to admire the intricacies of flowers. But, I did (and do) find that life and times with two under two was much more enjoyable when I could be on the kids time and their level, when at all possible.

Delightful! What great suggestions for introducing my child to the world of art.