Prepared Adult: Slow Down

This phrase, ‘prepared adult,’ comes from the work of Maria Montessori.

She recognized that in order to learn and honor the needs of young children, to engage with greater consciousness, we must prepare ourselves.

One tool of preparation is to slow down with young children. To be present with them.

Today, I want to talk about slowing down when it’s hardest.

That’s often where the growth happens, as a prepared adult.

This isn’t about being present when you actually have time. This isn’t about a more leisurely walk, or lingering over a fun breakfast together, or extra time together reading books at bedtime during winter break. This isn’t about being cozy on Christmas morning. Please do all of those things, as you’re able. But that’s the easier stuff.

This is about slowing down amidst the stress of getting dressed and out the door for the holiday concert or church. The arrival at your parents’ house. The car ride to Christmas Eve dinner. The security line at the airport. The family brunch. The last-minute trip to the market or the mall.

When you are racing through your to-do list. When you are speed-walking down the block or the grocery aisle or the airport gate, just trying to get it all done.

In those accelerated moments.

Slow. Down.

Be. Present.

Feel your feet on the floor. Slow your pace. Lower your voice. Try to feel your breath fill your chest. Focus on some sensory detail - a scent, a color, the temperature of your coffee in your hands or the chill in the air.

Appreciate the moment. Look in your child’s face. Welcome what you find there, take it in. Ask a lighthearted question.

Let your child know you’re glad to be with them, in this busy time of year.

When your days are a series of hurdles to jump, commitments to meet, interactions to have, performances to offer - then. Slow down.