In the Garden
“Flowers are the music of the ground from earth’s lips spoken without sound.”
Instead of extinguishing our adventurous spirits while raising young babies, we decided the greatest gift we can give them is the opportunity to travel the world.
At a young age, our crew, Jamaar, 6, Journei 4, Justice 2, and Joliee, nine months, experience outlandish adventures, excitement, and wonder alongside their parents.
It brings us extreme joy to watch our kids encounter something new at a third of our age while experiencing that same thing.
An exquisite restaurant, a beautiful monument, traveling internationally, a cultural experience, etc. are all special moments. During these adventures, we make it our business to go on a family date.
Relationships are forever evolving; the same way you work to stay connected with your spouse, you must do the same with your children. Getting to know your kids as they grow up is essential. What's their favorite food, game, or book? What makes them laugh? What agitates them, what new song is playing over and over in their heads, a lunch date, coffee date, dinner date, craft date, Netflix date, spa date, ANY TIME you intentionally pour in and give them your undivided attention; it matters.
A Sensabaugh Family Date is a tradition in our home. It's an opportunity for us to get dressed, embark on an adventure, eat at a new restaurant, or explore unique scenery.
What are our family dates? We put away our technological devices, ask each other profound questions (which are pretty interesting from a toddler's perspective), and genuinely enjoy each other's company. We intentionally try to show interest in each other while we, as a collective unit, experience a novelty.
Tips for a Successful Family Date
Snacks are life, especially for younger kids and toddlers. Please do not set your kid up for failure by running out of snacks in public; it will not bode well for you.
Consider visiting a scenic outdoor space with a view. Kids love nature and taking in beauty just as much as adults.
Consider a location that challenges their senses without over-stimulating them. Movement, Noise, and Fresh Air are all great for kids.
Be confident when taking your kids in public. Many places are not kid-friendly unless they implicitly state "NO KIDS ALLOWED," take your kids with you and confidently allow them to take in something new. 75% of the people you encounter will understand your kid's needs, and if they are kids that's their problem, advocate for your child and allow them to enjoy their surroundings.
Occasionally, I record some of the conversations between myself and each of my kids. A part of me wants to remember them at this young age and relive our conversations about aliens, tigers, mini chocolate chip cookies, and conquering fears because, in six months, these interactions will be different as they grow up.
Although they constantly evolve, effectively communicating with them by talking to, listening to, and building trust with your children requires effort and intentionality.
Lake Como, Italy Summer 2023 Family Date
While visiting Lake Como, Italy, the entire family enjoyed the beauty of Villa
Carlotta. This gem safeguards and promotes a unique historical, artistic, and botanical heritage on Lake Como, making it available for all to experience.
Built at the end of the seventeenth century by the marquises Clerici of Milan, the villa tells the story of over three centuries of great collections, and each year also opens the gates of a fascinating botanical garden that draws thousands of visitors from all over the world.
On this family date, while walking through the idyllic lush greenery surrounded by the exquisite gardens of Villa Carlotta, the energy of the rich architecture and history radiated on a higher level. The joy in Marri and Journei's laugh will forever live in my head.
Baby Jo and Big Jus napped in their stroller, so Coty and I enjoyed connecting with Marri and Journei for this serene family outing.
I'm grateful for these moments, and I will forever remember this time with my family as we grow up together.
If you are traveling to Lake Como, Italy, listed below are the Top 5 Villas to visit:
Thank you, @luxtravelgirl, for curating this life-changing experience!
TIP FOR MOMS: Dress cute but stay comfy. Your kids need you to be ready to conquer the world, and you CAN do just that in style.
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