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It’s another serene Saturday morning.

As usual, I’m up before the kids.

I lean my back against a soft square pillow, sitting on the green carpet in my study.

My large journaling pad in front of me, accompanied by a goodies bag filled with colors.

My little moment of tranquility.
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Like the earliest birds in the morning.

My 6-year-old is the first to wake up.

She snuggles up beside me.

A bundle of warmth and morning sleepiness.

Soon, she’s engrossed in her homework, writing away while I escape into my world of colors and words.

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Midway through her math, I noticed a shift.

Her hands clenched.

Her eyes moving from one corner of the room to another.

One step at a time her attention slowly withdrew from her homework.

I've been watching, aware of her struggle, yet I hesitate to help her immediately.
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She’s stuck on how to write ‘18’ in words.

And it’s throwing her off her usual steady rhythm.

After endlessly trying, it's like she's struggling to put the basketball in the net.

But, my little girl just isn't tall enough.

She needs help and her bad feelings are slowly but surely building up.

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Then comes the soft, almost helpless call, “Mommmmmm.”

By now, I can see and feel her frustration intensify.

I needed to give her the space to try. To experience a bit of challenge. And familiarize herself with uncomfortable feelings when she can’t figure something out.

With gentle guidance, we break it down together.

“Let’s start with ‘eight,’ I suggest.

Soon she adds the ‘teen’ to the end of the number.

Hooray!

Problem solved.
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My 6-year-old smoothly slides back into her homework, keen to continue.

And I return to my creative world.

Content with how I dealt with a small bump in our path.
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This simple interaction was a touching reminder.

Often, what we and our little ones need is just a nudge in the right direction.

Not someone to solve our problems but, to guide us through them.
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Here’s what I learnt from this morning's moment:

• Observing the moment gives us a better insight into the real problem.
• It’s not always about clearing the path for our kids but teaching them how to navigate it.
• Similarly, as adults, we hit roadblocks. It’s okay to seek a little help or guidance, or even give ourselves a push.

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If you are stuck in a situation and need to reset yourself.

Here's what you can do:

• Change your thoughts: Look out your window. Focus on your surroundings letting the sights and sounds guide your thinking.
• Change your Activity: Try brewing a soothing cup of tea and relax yourself during a short break.
• Change Your Environment: Go for a 10-minute walk. A simple shift in your surroundings can do wonders.

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This week, let’s practice the art of gentle guidance with our kids, ourselves, and partners.

Notice the shift when you or someone you care about is beginning to lose control.

How can you offer or seek that slight push to move forward?

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Always happy to hear from you.

Have you experienced a small change in perspective, activity, or environment that made a significant difference?

Share your stories with me and let’s inspire each other with our everyday moments that we've turned into meaningful memories.

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Wishing you a week of mindful moments and nurturing guidance.

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Khatija

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P.S. Remember, the greatest lessons often come from the simplest moments. The more you cherish them, the more you learn from them.

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