The Mom Superpower I am Trying to Shed

I have a Mom Superpower–but not one of which I am proud. I can read an entire book to my children and have no idea what I read. Often I find that my mind will be someplace completely different while I am spending time with my kids. This is particularly true when it comes to reading.

Some days when we read together, it feels like we are just plowing through piles of books without really using them to learn and grow. It amazes me that I can be reading a book aloud while having an entirely different train of thought in my head. Although it seems like multi-tasking at its finest–I don’t like it. 

I want to be fully present with my kids. Not just my body, but my mind too. I have been learning more about mindfulness–and it is helping to cure me of this unwanted superpower. But it’s a work in progress. I have found that certain things help me (and my kids) on this journey.

We have recently been loving this book, Waiting by Kevin Henkes. My daughter received it as a gift for her first birthday and my 3-year-old is smitten with it.

But honestly, so am I.

There’s something about bringing kids a slow story on patience and presence. It helps me to channel those things as well.  Although mindfulness seems like a big, complex idea even for adults–I want to plant these seeds into my children now so I can watch them grow.

In a very small way, this book has helped me to slow down and enjoy a few precious, everyday moments with my kids. It’s a simple thing that brings a smile to my face.

Do you have any favorite books that help you to slow down?

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Denaye Barahona

Denaye Barahona is a loving wife and mama of two. She's a therapist for moms, an author, and the host of the top-ranked Simple Families Podcast. Denaye holds a Ph.D. in Child Development and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has been featured on the likes of The Today Show, Netflix, The Wall Street Journal, Real Simple, Forbes, and numerous other media outlets.