In my recent scrollings, I ran across a quote that really stuck with me. And honestly, I’m not much of a quote person usually, so the fact this one has lingered made me feel like it was something. It seemed especially applicable to the holiday season. So here we go… 

“Do not ask your children

to strive for extraordinary lives.

Such striving may seem admirable,

but it is the way of foolishness.

Help them instead to find the wonder

and the marvel of an ordinary life.

Show them the joy of tasting

tomatoes, apples and pears.

Show them how to cry

when pets and people die.

Show them the infinite pleasure

in the touch of a hand.

And make the ordinary come alive for them.

The extraordinary will take care of itself.”

― William Martin, The Parent's Tao Te Ching: Ancient Advice for Modern Parents

Of course, we want to give our kids all the magical holiday experiences we can. But as we all know by now, we can’t expect life to feel magical at every moment. And that’s true for kids and grown-ups alike. Teaching your kids to appreciate the small pleasures can be a great thing. It's something you can introduce now with a small cup of cocoa & foster all year to come. 

What to do:

Make a cup of cocoa and use these prompts (or make up your own!)

• First, just touch the cup.
  • How does the cup feel? Warm? Hot?
  
  
• Which mug do you have?
  • Did you pick it? Is it your favorite? Does it make you happy to hold that warm little mug in your hand?
  
  
• Now sniff the cocoa.
  • What does it smell like? Does it remind you of anything or spark a memory?
  
  
• Now take your first sip.
  • Was it hot? Just warm? Did you notice the steam as you got close?

• What does it feel like in your mouth?
  • Talk about texture. Was it smooth? Talk about taste. What flavors did you notice?

• How does drinking it make you feel?
  • Comforted? Excited? Warm? 

• Who did you enjoy your cocoa with?
  • Were there other times you enjoyed cocoa with the same people? Or with others? What were those times like?

 ♥️,

Lauren & the Metro Parent team 

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'CAUSE WE'VE GOT GIVEAWAYS!
Every week one of you will win one of these excellent holiday prizes.

• Dec. 3 Tickets to Holiday Bricktacular at LEGOLAND Discovery Center
• Dec. 6 Tickets to the Magic of Lights drive thru at Pine Knob Music Theatre
• Dec. 9 Tickets to Winter Wonder Lights at Meadow Brook Hall
• Dec. 12 Tickets to a Red Wings game