As a mom who homeschools, I have five littles who I teach and feed and clothe and clean and discipline and direct and wrangle and snuggle (etc etc etc!) with me most of every day. But sometimes I forget to simply enjoy my children during that time. The practical responsibilities of home, school and family can overwhelm me. But, I have found that not enjoying someone is a bit of a relationship killer. While my heart feels like it’s bursting with love for them, I’m not sure my actions are communicating that often enough. Because I want them to know I love them, I enjoy their company, and I just really, really like them, I’m going to show them. Each day I’m going to do (at least) one thing with them that they like. Of course, I do enjoy my children, so I do this some already, but not intentionally enough. I know this is no big deal. I know it sounds a little ridiculous when I say it, because it’s just one little way to do one little thing. But, sometimes one little thing is all it takes. Oh and I’m sure there will be days when I can’t or I forget, but little by little this new habit should take shape and become just how we live.
I’ve actually started already and seen the impact in our relationships. It’s a big one. For some simple examples of what I’ve been doing,
Letting him crack all the eggs for our breakfast.
Reading the book she’s requested to her.
Throwing a ball with him.
Playing the piano piece he’s practicing. (I have a few more years experience and he likes hearing me try it.)
Drawing animals together.
Snuggling and watching a cooking show.
Scratching her back at bedtime.
Coloring alongside him.
Talking in silly voices.
If you know my littles, you can probably pick out exactly which thing they like to do. And I’m sure you can quickly make a list of simple things your littles like to do. Are you doing it with them? Let me encourage you to not hold back or be distracted, but to take a moment and show them exactly how you feel each day. We’ll both look back one day and these will be our memories.
I love you post! So sweet, and it reminded me of my son when he was a tot! I did my best, but we had to do a lot of therapy-style parenting because he has Down syndrome. It paid off, he’s ten now! )
Thanks, Lisa. 🙂
I love this post! Thank you for writing it. To others, it may sound ridiculous, but I always say “If somebody could just take care of my children, I would have time to have fun with them.” I do feel the grind of feeding them, clothing them, and otherwise just organizing things for them and sometimes I run out of time to enjoy them. I, too, have been making an intentional effort to really spend enjoyable time with each one each day. And I only have two!!
Yes, Karen! If only…they could also take care of the house stuff while they’re at it. : )
I found out that my 5 kids have really bad memories, all the things we did together, they don’t remember. But I know that they always knew how much I loved them! Even if they don’t remember the little things, they will remember feeling loved.
That is really interesting, Beth. Poor memories for the good and the bad? I get that though. There’s probably very little about my childhood that I remember in specific terms.