I have realized over the past 19 months that our children teach us more than we could ever teach them. While we are worrying about teaching them about life, they are teaching us what life is all about.
At the end of the work day there are often chores and tasks that need to be done at home; supper to be cooked, house to be cleaned, and stuff to get ready for tomorrow. While doing these things were are often losing today. The other night Emma had helped me make supper and afterwards she was getting tired, of course I was thinking "let me finish this one last thing" and in all honesty I probably said that to her. She looked at me and said "wait". I few seconds later it dawned on me that what I was doing could wait, so she could have time with me before bedtime. I asked her if she what she wanted to play, and off we went.
I am sure that some people wish my house was cleaner, car was cleaner, and that I did more house work. However, I will have plenty of time to clean up when Emma is grown up. Why not take this time enjoy her, and let her enjoy life? My house is not filthy so no need to call DSS or anyone, it is just not a priority over my child.
I saw this and it sums it up perfectly for me:
At the end of the work day there are often chores and tasks that need to be done at home; supper to be cooked, house to be cleaned, and stuff to get ready for tomorrow. While doing these things were are often losing today. The other night Emma had helped me make supper and afterwards she was getting tired, of course I was thinking "let me finish this one last thing" and in all honesty I probably said that to her. She looked at me and said "wait". I few seconds later it dawned on me that what I was doing could wait, so she could have time with me before bedtime. I asked her if she what she wanted to play, and off we went.
I am sure that some people wish my house was cleaner, car was cleaner, and that I did more house work. However, I will have plenty of time to clean up when Emma is grown up. Why not take this time enjoy her, and let her enjoy life? My house is not filthy so no need to call DSS or anyone, it is just not a priority over my child.
I saw this and it sums it up perfectly for me:
Life is busy and we have jobs, family, friends, and children pulling us in different directions. Sometimes you have to step back and see what is important. We often try to rush to get things done and then look back and realize we missed wonderful opportunities. Of course hindsight is 20/20, but this is another quote that really spoke to me.
Sometimes when Emma wants or needs a hug it is a short one, but sometimes she just wants me to hold her. Who am I to decide how much of a hug she needs. Maybe she missed me, or maybe she just wants me to know she loves me. I am so thankful that I have her to hug, and hold that if she wants a thousand hugs a day I will gladly be there with arms wide open.
I hope that you can start to see the areas in your day where you can take the time to enjoy the moment with your child. Once that moment has passed you will never get it again. As someone told me a couple of weeks ago "the Emma that left your house this morning is never coming back, she will be changed". I will admit that broke my heart, but sometimes we forget that they are changing and growing everyday.
