I taught them to be independent (my kids that is). So perhaps I am partly to blame as they don’t seem to need my companionship these days.
I remember yesterday when my children were underfoot as soon as I got home from work, when my only thought was getting dinner started and the ten other things on my daily to do list. These were the days when I began to put the cereal on the bottom shelves of the pantry and milk on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. (A tip that I share with any parent that is overwhelmed with time or lack of)
Now, when I’m not rushing to get dinner on the stove or baths done before bed, I have to seek them all out for a “How was your day?” conversation. The pick me up cries turned into a mini shadows, into goodnight kisses, and now a back seat to the tv shows, ipod, facebook, and texting. Mom is no longer numero uno.
With all the multitasking, sacrificing, planning and trying to keep everything in line, I forgot to enjoy the everyday family life. I miss the hugs, silly games, watching movies, and uncontrollable belly laughs. So for all the multi-taskers out there, slow down. Things can still get done without sacrificing the time with the family.
So my new tip: Have your kids help with dinner, looking up recipes online, cutting vegetables into interesting shapes, baking dinner rolls, or making desserts. If you teach them the recipes along the way (or start creating your own) you can add to their independence and still enjoy the process. My kids may not depend on me for breakfast anymore but creating breakfast together is a great way to start my Saturdays. The few extra minutes meals may take will be worth the memory it creates.
Does anyone else have any tips they can share?
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