Taking time to enjoy the kids...
@above31rubies (1863)
United States
March 1, 2008 3:08pm CST
I used to think I was too busy to play, too tired, had to much other stuff to do, etc. But, at some point I started making more of an effort to take the time to play a game with the kids- it seemed like all of a sudden they weren't toddlers anymore and I realized how much I had missed. I have tried hard to make the time, to just stop what I am doing and play a game. What a blessing and a joy!
I also have started to really paying attention to them when they come to tell me a story...no matter how long it is...I stop what I am doing (even if I have to ask them to wait just a moment while I finish the immediate task) and I look them in the eye while they tell me their tale. The difference I have seen in them since starting to do this has been amazing.
It has been a struggle to remember to always do these things- sometimes I still think my work, my chores, my "things" are more important or more pressing but I am doing better.
How about you? Is this a struggle for you as well?
1 person likes this
7 responses
@gemini_rose (16264)
•
2 Mar 08
It is easy to put household chores and work in front of spending time with children, but I try to remind myself that all the cleaning and chores will still be there long after my children have grown and gone their own ways. I try to spend as much time as I can just doing things with them and it can be so enjoyable and I always listen to their stories when they have finished school for the day, but yes it is a struggle most times not to prioritise my housework and chores over them.
1 person likes this
@above31rubies (1863)
• United States
2 Mar 08
Oh my, yes, that dust so patiently sits around for when you get to it, isn't it? lol. I love listening to their stories...the words they use and the way they tell it. Thank you for responding.
@jarves (814)
• Philippines
2 Mar 08
You should pay attention to your kids while they are growing. If you don't they will miss your presence and perhaps seek another ways to enjoy themselves. You can't be busy enough to pay attention to them. You should always find time with your kids.
@above31rubies (1863)
• United States
2 Mar 08
And it is scary what they may find when they seek...Thank you for responding.
@avonrep1 (1862)
• United States
2 Mar 08
I feel really blessed, for I have always had plenty of time for my children. I felt guilty when I started working away from home and couldn't handle it I was missing way too much.
There were many things going on that lead to the decision, and I started another home based business and quit working away from home.
Things happen for a reason and we were unhappy with the education they were getting either, so I started homeschooling. I love spending time with my kids, it is amazing what they can do and what they learn all the time.
My kids love, that they get to spend a lot of time with me, and love being homeschooled also. Its amazing what all I was missing out on before. I missed it for a short time, what that was like was unbearable for me, I need to know that I have raised them to be good people. I can't do that with them away every day.
@above31rubies (1863)
• United States
2 Mar 08
lol- I homeschool and sell Avon, too. I am glad you are able to stay home with them again. Thank you for responding!
@p3halliwel2005 (3156)
• Philippines
2 Mar 08
I have 5 kids and I try to spend much time with them but sometimes things are just so busy..I am the only bread winner in the family and I try to look at other ways to earn money. I still hug and kiss them and tell them I love you but I know I have been neglecting them most of the times. I still do fix up their food at times..There are times I still give the little ones a bath. I try my best to spend time with them even with my busy schedule. It's a real struggle but I need to try my best.
@above31rubies (1863)
• United States
2 Mar 08
Thank you for responding. I think, too, that if I can focus on them 100% during the 15 minutes I can give them it makes a difference.
@yannycui (376)
• China
2 Mar 08
Since my daughter was very young, I have been playing with her every day. I enjoy the time we spend together. Now she is growing up and has her friends . She has little time to play with me. Some day she will grow up and leave alone at home.
@above31rubies (1863)
• United States
2 Mar 08
Aww...that is hard but how wonderful that you spent that time with her. She will never frget that either. Thank you for responding.
@dennywang (46)
• Australia
2 Mar 08
Yes you are right. As the time seems go faster and faster, we have less and less time. I have the same experience. What I trying to do is, forget whose important things. Sometimes you think they are important but after a few years, you may think them never important. But you child, as time go on, you will find out they are the really important ones of you. You may have time later to work, to earn money, but, as time gone, you will never have time again to play with you 3-years-old child.
1 person likes this
@dtroas (479)
• United States
1 Mar 08
I understand where you are coming from. Sometimes it seems as life just gets away from us. I also try to do as much as I can with the kids. They really enjoy it. There is times that I want to beable to do more with them and I feel guilty when I don't. So what I have learned to do is sort out a sheet as to what we will do and make it that. Like Friday night is game night we set aside 2 games and play them. We walk and talk as a family now. The chores you can turn into a fun thing that all can do and have fun doing them. We just have to think outside the box. Get Disussion to start.
@above31rubies (1863)
• United States
1 Mar 08
Thank you for your response. It sure does make the chores more fun when everyone is working on them together.
