I think a lot about my kids. About what I should be doing as a mom to give them the best environment to grow into the best them they can be. Henry once made a joke that my idea of fun is sitting and reading five chapters of a child psychology book. It’d be funny if it weren’t so true.
I read something about a month ago that I can’t get out of my head. I think because it hit so close to home. It was on the subject of building confidence in your kids. One of the simple pieces of advice was “pay attention to them.” Don’t be checked out all the time. Play with them. Look them in the eye when they’re talking. Get off the computer/phone/iPad. Turn off the t.v. Don’t act like you’re annoyed when they want your attention.
Basically, act like they’re important enough to engage with. There’s nothing more demoralizing than thinking that even your parents don’t want to be with you.
Yes, my toes were stepped on. It was a wake-up call because as an introvert there are many times I want to check out. I still think it’s okay to check out every once and awhile on a day when I’m with the kids the full 12 hours. But on days when they’re in school for most the day, there isn’t any reason I can’t engage for the four hours they’re home.
Thursday night was rainy and dreary. Ainsley loves having a fire in the fireplace. She’s always asking for one, even in the summer. She saw some firewood in the garage and asked if we could make a fire. I thought for a minute, “Why not?” I said. “Let’s do it.” She was ecstatic.
“Nat, go get the games. We’re gonna do dinner and games by the fire. Let’s go!”
Now Natalie was ecstatic. She loves games.
It was supposed to be soccer night so dinner was already casual. Cocktail meatballs in the crockpot with cantaloupe, apples and cheddar. I had to give some things up in order to do dinner and games. I had to clean and sweep the kitchen once the kids were in bed so I didn’t sit down until 9 o’clock, a full hour after the kids were in bed.
But they’re worth it!
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(c) 2016 Leighann Marquiss
Comments (3)
awww…you’re such a good mom. i miss you all so much. wish it was summer again.
Couldn’t agree more – turn off the tv and computer and engage….my youngest is a senior in HS and all three had the benefit of mom and dad engaged, reading to them, following up on homework (whether they wanted to or not) and planning the week ahead. I can’t get that time back once it’s gone and it was SO worth it. We have 3 great kids who know how to have a conversation with anyone and are interesting people. Really! Other people tell me so! 🙂 Keep up the good work!
Beverly – Ohio
Leighann, I LOVE this post! You are right, it’s totally worth the effort to build memories with your children. What a sweet family you have. So glad to have found your blog. xo Lidy