3 Ways To ENJOY Your Children:
1) Spend time with them. This seems obvious, but when you really think about it, sometimes our days are so busy that we don’t even have time for dinner together. Take a break from blogging . . . um, the things that consume your time, and ask them what they would like to do together or just chat with them. Sometimes you have to really create these moments in order for them to happen. When I realized I needed to spend more time with Baby Girl, I planned a specific time to play dolls with her. We played everyday after breakfast before I did anything else. Sometimes it’s just for 10 minutes. That’s okay. Ten minutes a day is better than zero minutes.
2) Turn off the media. This goes for both parent and child. I love media and all the devices out there. They are great tools. But sometimes I find myself texting right when my child is trying to talk to me and then I don’t really hear them or give them my full focus. And same with my kidlets. They need time to engage with us and others without the constant pull of video games or as I say “the addicting glow of electronics.” Set limits and follow through with them.
3) Make 4 minutes count. Years ago someone gave me the advice to make the first 4 minutes of the day AND the last 4 minutes of the day with your child a positive experience. Greet them in the morning with hugs and some small talk before you start nagging them to get ready for school. Then at night tuck them in and chat about their day, sing a song, read a story, or just give them a hug. It only has to be 4 MINUTES! Not even 5 minutes! No matter what happens in the middle of the day, you’ll begin and end the day right. I have tried this for many years. It helps me feel better, especially on hard mom days. No guilt attached. Just good times.
I hope this helps clear the tears for some of you. And no matter what JUST LOVE ‘EM. A little love goes a long way.
