"All we have is right now"

"All we have is right now"… I don't know if this is an official quote or even who said it, but I picked this statement up on a friend's Facebook page the other day and it has stuck with me. It's a sentiment that's so relevant to every one of us. We're all on a treadmill of sorts, living our lives at a frantic pace, and yet, if we really think about whether we’re living in the moment, appreciating what we have ‘right now’, I would imagine that too many of us would have to admit that we're not.

Of course, it's in the area of family where this statement holds real meaning and relevance. Too often, as mothers, we're so busy doing, fixing, making and organising, that we forget that the time we have is so precious – moments we'll never get back. By saying these things, it’s not my intention to put you on a guilt trip. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. I want to provide words of encouragement to every parent and tell you that despite our very busy lives and the fact that all too often we're exhausted and don't have the energy to give it our all, it really is the little things that can make all the difference, and it IS possible to make each moment count.

We all spend time in the traffic with our children. Use this time to connect. Chat to your little one, sing along to a CD, or have a heart-to-heart with an older child. A trip to the supermarket can be turned into a fun learning experience – even for a very young baby. Sites, smells and tastes can be experienced, and toddlers can do some basic counting and colour recognition. Bedtime is a great time to bond. It takes very little to give an extra cuddle, sing a song or read a short story, but these are the moments your child will hold dear right throughout his life.

Here are three ways to connect with your child:
1. Make eye contact: When you talk to your little one, kneel down so your eyes are level, and look him in the eyes while he's talking to you.

2. Be affectionate: On those days when there are people pulling at you from all direction, let your child know that you’re still with them, no matter how it seems. You can do this with a cuddle or a stroke of the cheek when you’re near them. Pull your child close for a warm hug as often as you can, and if you're engaged in an activity that you can’t take a break from, reach out to your child and give her a little squeeze before you send her away.

3. Be silly: Children love nothing more than to engage in some silly play. It can be as simple as making up a silly word, tickling each other, hiding out somewhere together, or sharing a little secret.