Taking time to enjoy the kids...
@above31rubies (1863)
United States
March 1, 2008 3:01pm 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
@kingcrapper (1536)
• United States
1 Mar 08
Sometimes it is really hard to change focus and know that the weariness that you are feeling is not the fault of your family but the fault of your job. I can say that I am lucky to have teenagers and a 3 year old in the house. When I get too tired to read a book, to play blocks or color with the 'baby' all I have to do is look at my 18 year old and know that this baby won't be a baby anymore. That is enough to reenergize me!
@above31rubies (1863)
• United States
1 Mar 08
I have a big age gap in my older and younger kids, too. (Not quite as large as yours). I will joke sometimes when my 14 yr old is being snarky that she *used* to be so cute. I am just joking and she knows it, but, in reality it also helps me, like you, remember to appreciate my younger ones even more as they are right now. Thanks for the response!
1 person likes this
@above31rubies (1863)
• United States
2 Mar 08
Oh, that would be interesting!
It is wonderful to hear how you have been able to be more involved in your youngest child's daily life.
1 person likes this
@above31rubies (1863)
• United States
2 Mar 08
My husband talks more about things with our teen and I suddenly realized that even though I am with her more and we get along fine, I does really seem to understand her better.
@steffyhoney (706)
• United States
2 Mar 08
It is a struggle. I spend a lot of time on the computer trying to earn money and my daughter is always wanting me to do different things. I try to as much as I can. I feel sometimes I dont do as much as I should and I feel really bad about it. So lately ive been trying to stay off this thing more and spend more time with her doing different things.
2 people like this
@above31rubies (1863)
• United States
2 Mar 08
I have found that if I set a time "I will plan one game with you" or "I can play for 20 minutes" and then I have to get back to work, that really helps everyone. I have even set a timer if what I am doing on the computer is extremely high priority- like writing an article that I have a deadline for or something.
1 person likes this
@creative_angel312 (390)
• United States
2 Mar 08
I have a 13 month old and I've now realized how fast time is going by, it seems just like yesterday when I was coming home from the hospital... but anyways I try to enjoy every moment with my son and even though he can't really talk (or I just can't understand him yet lol) I talk back when he talks to me. I see him growing from an infant to a toddler and its amazing. It just gets better each day and I try not to let chores, work, etc. Take away from our family time. Even though it is a struggle, it gets easier as the days go by.
1 person likes this
@fadimichael (34)
• United States
2 Mar 08
Babies grow up pretty fast. I have an 8 month old baby that I just realized that he is not a baby anymore. I wish I had spent more time with him when he was younger.
@above31rubies (1863)
• United States
2 Mar 08
Start now! 8 months is still an awesome age of learning all new things. Thanks for responding!
1 person likes this
@bluebutterfly1234 (92)
• United States
2 Mar 08
I agree it is hard to just stop and say hey what do ya need and do it and listen. But I have been working on it. And you are right kids do change alot when you just stop and talk to them and see what is on there mind. I my kids alway want to help when I am doing the cleaning around the house and it does take longer when you have a 1 year old and a 3 year old helping out. But they enjoy it so much so I try to always let them help while the still will. LOL
1 person likes this
@sunshinelady (7609)
• United States
2 Mar 08
My son is a grown man but when he was younger I always stopped what I was doing if he wanted me to do something with him. If he wanted me to read a story to him I would stop like if I was doing the dishes they would have to wait. Before you know it kids are grown and on their own. The same applies to my grandkids. If I am doing something they are the top priority when they are at my house. I love to do things with them and have a lot of fun enjoying my fun time with them. That is my term for doing things with my grandkids. They are already 10, 12 and 13 years old. It seems that time has sped by.
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