Meaningful Lessons in Everyday Routines
The Hidden Power of Everyday Moments: Lessons from My Mother and a Life in Early Childhood Education
One of my earliest and fondest memories with my mother is the almost daily ritual of grocery shopping together. Even after five decades, these moments bring a smile to my face and wrap me in a warm sense of comfort.
I spent the first sixteen years of my life in Tehran, Iran. During my childhood, my mother would often take me and my younger sister grocery shopping. She preferred fresh produce, so our trips happened three to four times a week—exciting outings that felt like small adventures to us.
At the time, each type of food had its own dedicated store. We visited the butcher for meat, the greengrocer for fruits and vegetables, a separate dairy shop, and the bakery for fresh bread. These errands became rich learning experiences as my sister and I—just three and five years old—watched our mother interact with shopkeepers. We each carried a small basket, helping in our own little way.
What left the deepest impression, though, was simply spending time with her. She didn’t carve out special “playtime” for us or design child-centered activities. Instead, we were embedded in her daily routine—side by side with her as she went about her day. These weren’t structured games with toys, but rather shared, meaningful moments during everyday life. And once we got home, we felt content—fulfilled by her presence and ready to play independently.
Now, with nearly 20 years of experience as an early childhood educator, I often reflect on the lasting value of those early experiences. I’ve observed, time and again, that children return from holidays or family vacations with a noticeable sense of calm. They've been immersed in unhurried, uninterrupted time with their loved ones—grounded in the present and truly savoring each moment.
In today’s fast-paced world, where many parents juggle work, family, and an endless list of responsibilities, carving out quality time can feel overwhelming. But there is a simple and powerful solution: involve children in the everyday tasks of life. These shared experiences serve both the parent and the child in deep and lasting ways.
Child-Embedded Activities for Everyday Routines
In early childhood education, we call this approach embedded learning—integrating meaningful opportunities for growth and connection into daily routines.
Child-embedded activities can naturally take place during household chores, travel time, mealtimes, and bath time. These everyday moments become powerful learning opportunities for children ages 2–8.
For children aged 2–4, simple tasks like stirring, pouring (with assistance), or arranging items on a plate help build independence and motor skills. Young children can also match socks, wipe surfaces, or use a small broom—activities that develop coordination, early sorting skills, and a sense of contribution.
For children aged 5–8, deeper involvement is possible. They can assist with meal preparation by measuring ingredients or reading simple recipes, sort and fold laundry by size or owner, and help create chore charts or grocery lists. These responsibilities nurture early literacy, numeracy, and organizational skills.
One of the greatest benefits of embedding activities into daily routines is that children learn they can contribute meaningfully. Age-appropriate chores foster self-care habits, responsibility, and independence. They also help develop essential social skills like turn-taking, cooperation, and negotiation. Children begin to understand that everyone—regardless of age—has a role to play in the family.
In addition, these shared tasks spark conversations and moments of connection. They support language development and strengthen the parent-child bond. Working together toward common goals builds a sense of unity, lightens the load for parents, and affirms children as valued and capable members of the household.
If you would like to work with me, please reach me at freshteh@formativeyears.ca for your free 15 minutes meet and greet.