Like many moms, I do a lot of driving my kids around to various activities. Sometimes, that requires waking up extra-early. It can be a bit of a drag. Honestly, I’d love to just go curl up in the car and get some shut-eye while I wait for my kid to finish his appointment. BUT I won’t. I deserve this time to write. 🙂
This mom taxi thing makes me feel multiple things simultaneously. On one hand, I’m happy to have the time with my kids. That is, when they’re actually in the mood to talk and answer questions which admittedly isn’t often. I also enjoy listening to Harry Potter on Audible with my oldest. On the other hand, it’s time I could be doing other things. It can be a real drag in traffic and/or poor weather. It recently started raining and I swear most people seem to have forgotten how to drive in the rain!
Since I’m focusing on the topic of mom taxi, I feel the need to find a way to make it more enjoyable. Dare I say even find some joy in this endless pastime? As I’ve already mentioned, one of the things I do to make the whole experience better is listen to an audio book. I also have a couple of go-to playlists on Spotify I know the kids enjoy. I often find myself taking song requests. “Hey Siri, play ‘I’m a Gummy Bear’”. Hearing their laughter over silly songs, or their semi-sweet voices singing along makes my heart sing.
When I’m especially tired like I am today, I make a point to figure out when I can schedule time to rest. Knowing I’ve got some scheduled down-time helps. If I’m driving a kid to an appointment where I’m not going in with them, I’ve started taking along my colored pencils and coloring book. There is something so therapeutic about this hobby!
I should also back up a bit and mention another practice I’ve been meaning to put in place that will likely really help with the mom-taxi life. That is, to build a ritual around buckling and unbuckling my seatbelt. I give my life coach full credit for this idea — she mentioned in a recent coaching session.
The idea is, whenever I get in the car to go somewhere and buckle myself in, I visualize buckling in my higher power with me. (Or whatever resonates!). And same thing when I’m unbuckling… I remind myself why I’m headed where I am, and what my intention is behind it. For example, “I am unbuckling my seatbelt and headed in to take my son to an OT session to help better-equip him for learning. Investing the time and resources now helps set the stage for his future.” When thinking of it in terms like this, how can I really be stuck in a tired, mundane mindset? This is important business! Suddenly, I see just how valuable my job is as a mom taxi.
Cherish yourself: Incorporate little activities and rituals surrounding the act of driving kids around to make it more meaningful. Perhaps it’ll even bring you a bit of joy!