As parents, we know the truth behind the “perfect” family photo. What we see is big smiles. Styled hair and matching outfits. Candid shots of laughter and cherished moments. Sure, this is the ideal image, but we know what you don’t see in the final, edited version – the meltdowns, arguments over clothes, raised voices, and bribes offered up until the very last second.
Read on for tips to help you be present in everyday family life, during the holidays, and for amazing childhood milestones like learning to ride a bike.
Little Moments in Everyday Life
Similar to these attempts at flawlessly curating and capturing memories, the grind of daily family life can feel laborious and repetitive at times. Work, school, endless errands and household chores, the list goes on and on. Oftentimes we have to schedule a trip or make a countdown on the family calendar for the next big celebration or holiday to give everyone something to look forward to.
And there’s nothing wrong with that! As caregivers, we want our kids to have happy, wondrous childhood memories. That being said, we sometimes focus only on creating BIG moments and can overlook the magic in the mundane. Whether it’s kissing skinned knees before your little one learns to pedal or opting to leave the dishes in the sink for family movie night, life happens in these little, shared moments.
There are so many “firsts” to witness as a parent, from first words to the first day of kindergarten. One of childhood’s most momentous firsts is their very first bike.
The memories collected on those two wheels are too many to count, and time does fly, Soon their adoring toddler eyes and wide smiles turn to teenage eye rolls and slammed doors. It’s never too early or too late to appreciate, savor, and preserve the little moments and special bike riding memories.
Little Moments During the Holidays
As is the case in preparing for any big trip, something is bound to get left behind. Here are some items you’ll want to pack ahead of time for a fun-filled race day experience!
It's the merry and bright holiday season of giving and receiving cards (many displaying those pictures we mentioned before)! Unfortunately, the holiday season is well-known for mounting to-do lists. There are so many parties, activities, shopping, decorating, cooking, school functions, magic-making, and wrapping that makes this “wonderful time” straight-up exhausting. And, at the same time, most parents treasure this time, especially when our children are young.
So how can we prioritize being present for the little moments with our little ones during the holidays?
Whether it’s on a bike or around a board game, we know being together with the people you love is part of what makes us happy and healthy. This could mean taking time off from work and school, or leaving availability in our schedules for everything we wish we had the time for.
Put the effort in beforehand and make a list with everyone’s input on how to spend your family time. Bake a fun recipe, create holiday crafts for the tree or to gift each other. Don’t forget to bundle up and get outside. If weather permits, go for a bike ride! And even if it doesn’t - strap on your kiddo's Strider Snow Skis, the ultimate way to enjoy a Strider Bike during the winter.
Little (and Big!) Moments with Strider Bikes
We know the true beauty of family is not in the polished photography, but in all of the chaos leading up to it – that's where real life and love happen. Strider Bikes was built by a dad who just wanted to spend time riding with his young son. Our selection of bikes offers parents and children the opportunity to connect with each other and engage in a physical activity together, all year long.
We want to celebrate all of those not-so-little moments – like your kiddo getting a new bike and beginning the process of learning to ride on their own. Please share your family’s special moments with us!
Because, we know most of family life together is just a series of little moments that when looking back... aren’t so little after all.
