10 Things I Hope My Children Remember

My family and I just got back from a family reunion where we had the chance to reconnect with relatives we hadn’t seen in years. From the moment we walked through the door, we were met with the kind of love and familiarity that only family can bring and for the rest of the weekend, we soaked it all in.

This really got me thinking about my own childhood and the home I was raised in. As we took off on our three hour flight to Dallas, my mind drifted to those memories. The quiet rhythms and simple feelings that somehow settle deep within us and come to define what home feels like. I smiled as I recalled everything that I could remember and the joys of growing up.

I’ve always been someone who remembers feelings more than things. I remember the atmosphere of a place, the way someone makes you feel as you walk into the room, and little rhythms that make life feel safe and familiar.

When I think back to my own childhood I realize that more than the physical things, I remember how I felt being surrounded by love, laughter, and simple comforts that were “home.” About halfway through the flight my 4 month old finally gave my arms a break and drifted off to sleep (after flirting with everyone behind him of course, lol) and I made a note of a few things that I hope my children remember too.

I Hope They Remember Being Loved

Not the love that is dependent on accomplishments and good behavior, but a steady kind of love. The three year old stage has been very humbling (IYKYK) and it constantly reminds me that their little brains are not fully developed and they need consistency support to move through their emotions. I want them to remember a love that made them feel safe, welcomed hard emotions, and celebrated joyful ones. A love that reminded them over and over again (even if it feels like we’ve redirected a million times , because we have haha) that they belong.

I Hope They Remember A Peaceful Home

It’s not a perfect one by any means and won’t ever be. We know that there will be hard days, tears, frustrations, and moments when we fall short.. but a home where they are free to grow into themselves. A home where curiosity is encouraged, questions are welcomed, and mistakes are met with grace. Where they can become who God created them to be. A few weeks ago my three year old had a really difficult day. It felt like every answer had to be “no” and with a teething little brother I’m sure that he felt left out. As we were reading a book before bed he laid down and said “Mom, today was really hard” and I thought to myself, “I’m glad I’m not the only one who thought that!” But, it was so sweet that he was able to recognize that and talk to me about it and that is exactly the environment that I want to create in our home.

I Hope They Remember The World Before Screens

Gosh, this one is something I am really passionate about! I do think that they can have a very limited place, but I truly believe that screen time and blue light are really hurting our children and creating anxious adults. I want my children to feel dirt beneath their fingernails, watch clouds and wildflowers and thunderstorms, spend long summer evenings outside, and collect rocks that seem like “treasures.” If you have been to our house, you know that our fireplace has become home to quite a few of these dusty keepsakes and I’ve had to slowly relinquish my desire for clean surfaces in favor of preserving the wonder my little boy sees in the world. I wouldn’t trade it for anything!

I Hope They Remember The Little Things

I hope they remember mornings when we open the windows and let fresh air fill the house. The smell of bread cooking that was kneaded by their little hands. Making raw milk ice cream and weekend pancakes even when their “help” made everything take twice as long. I hope they remember dance parties, working in the garden, and folding laundry to their favorite songs. I want them to create their own little traditions that they love with their own family one day.

I Hope They Remember That Kindness Matters

Often times, the world feels hurried, divided, and harsh. I want my children to remember that people and compassion matter even in situations where you don’t get it in return. The measure of a life is not found in success or status, but in how we love others. I am incredibly grateful that I grew up with wonderful examples of this!

I Hope They Remember That Dreaming Is A Beautiful Thing

I pray that my children know that creativity is not something that we outgrow and that imagination is a gift. I want them to feel confident to build things, write stories, ask questions, and pursue ideas even the ones that seem out of reach. I want them to know that they don’t need a college degree or some fancy job title to be successful and live an incredible life and that they don’t have to do a job that they hate just because society says so.

I Hope That They Know That Nourishing Their Bodies Matter

I’m sure you could guess this one, considering my line of work. But, I truly hope that my children learn to love and support their bodies well. I want them to know that their bodies are gifts worthy of care and stewarding well. I hope that they find joy in family meals, fresh colorful fruits and vegetables, meals simmering on the stove, and other foods that we’ve prepared with love.

I Hope They Remember that There Are Seasons When Life Is Hard And That’s Ok

I want them to remember that there are seasons when energy is limited, we face difficult situations, and plans change. I want them to learn from us that rest can be productive and that it’s ok to focus on what you do have capacity for. Even in the most challenging seasons, I want them to know that joy can still be found in the simpler days.

I Hope They Remember That Sunshine And Water Have A Remarkable Way Of Making Almost Everything Better

No matter what season we are in, 99% of the time, going outside is the answer. My mom once told me “If you’re having a hard time, take them outside or put them in water.” And this doesn’t just apply to the kiddos! I want them to remember that healing is found in fresh air and movement and there is something therapeutic about planting something tiny and watching it grow.

I Hope They Understand That Contributing To A Family And A Community Is One Of Life’s Great Joys

I hope my children understand that we were created to not only consume, but to create. I hope that they are protective of their capacity, but also prioritize serving other people, giving to those in need, opening their homes, and loving their neighbors.

These are just 10 of the many things that I hope my children remember when they are older. I hope they remember feeling deeply loved and cared for and they remember that the most beautiful life was never found in having more, but in being together.