Who Knew I'd Miss Cicadas?

I’m going to be sad when the cicadas are gone.

I know that sounds crazy because I absolutely shriek and scream when one would fly right into my face or land in my hair! GROSS!

But the cicadas did something I didn’t expect.

They created experiences and bonding with my children.

Every morning and every night it became a routine for my daughter and son to go outside and catch cicadas.

My son would be devastated when they would fly off, yelling, “My cicada! My cicada!”

Luckily, there are so many in our neighborhood, it wouldn’t take long before he had a new “my cicada”.

So when I think of all the laughter and tears these cicadas have caused my 1-year-old and almost 3-year-old son, I will miss them.

I’m going to miss the lessons they helped us all learn.

Respect for Living Things

I will be honest, I am the first person to not love bugs and I don’t want spiders, ants, or flys in my home, but I truly started to respect cicadas. They are easy-going and do their own thing. They didn’t mind being picked up with and often my son would transfer them from a stick to his hand and the cicada would be quite content. It made me realize how much this experience will lead to my son’s love for all living things. Also, we worked on him not killing them as I’m sure at daycare he probably sees a lot of children stepping on them (emojii)

Nature is Something you Engage with and Experience

I was the child who didn’t take well to nature. I hated mosquitos (still do), it being too hot or even too cold and I didn’t want to go on nature walks. But, I found myself loving to see my children pick up cicadas. I enjoyed Grayson telling Harper, “Here you go,” as he passed her a cicada. It made me realize that we can engage with nature, not just put up with it.

Slow Down and Be in the Moment

In a world, where it feels like we have to be doing a million things the time with the cicadas has helped us to slow down. When you are helping your children catch cicadas, you aren’t distracted by your phone or your endless to-do list, you are present. I found myself being excited to take them outside in the mornings and not wanting to miss our evening walks. It helped me slow down and I could feel in those moments less stressed.

@smithepisodes

Grayson went from picking up dead cicadas to being good about picking up live cicadas! Harper has now joined in on the action and enjoys h... See more

I’m not the only one who noticed a difference.

Even my husband was saying, what are we going to do when they are gone?

But also he was wondering what type of insects our children may attempt to pick up now due to the cicadas.

I don’t know what adventures will lie ahead, but I’m truly grateful for this time.

I do know we are forever changed by these cicadas!

What random things did your babies or toddlers take an interest in?

I’d love to hear stories!

Until next time,

Jessica

P.S. Our two diaper bag samples have been made and will be shipped hopefully by next week!

Ahh!!!

It’s becoming REAL!