On days when my kids are cranky, nagging and whining, I have come to realize that they need a little time extra to connect with me. It could be from simple gestures like a 5 second hug, to more intense ones like playing ‘Tag, you’re it!’ game with them or dancing halfway to Europe.
Everyone craves those little, special moments with their kids that make their hearts melt and skip a beat. Paying attention to detail and staying connected with your kids are absolutely necessary to get the best out of those special moments. Although, there’s a catch!
Last week, this happened;
I got back late from work as usual, and while I was trying to get some work done on my laptop, a mini battle was raging in my mind. I was distracted because the girls were seeking my attention; I had deadlines to meet and other chores and responsibilities to attend to as well. How could I end up being a good mother and still achieving all that I had to do?
So I remembered an article I read online on the dangers of partial attention and how we tend to become irritable when our kids interrupt us because we have lots of other activities to sort out.- RED FLAG SYMPTOM
Of course I know that we can’t give our kids our undivided attention at all times- It is almost impossible, so I am not even saying we should try. But, we can try to spend at least half an hour of quality and intentional full time attention, as opposed to hours of distracted half attention.
When you can, rough-house with your kids because researchers have discovered that it helps kids feel connected with their parents.
I know that even though I could have used more sleep once in a while, I’m still glad that I consciously spare some extra time instead, to spend with my second-grader, first-grader and toddler, against all odds.
Disclaimer- I Am Not A Professional As You Know, But Like I Would Always Advise, Also Carve Out Some Time For Yourself Because When You’ve Reached Your Elastic Limit, You Are The Only One Who Knows What Is Best For You.
Being a mum will always involve juggling a lot of things at the same time. However, we should always shove that nagging feeling of constant guilt we feel because we can’t give our kids our undivided attention at all times. No one can!
The real training starts when you begin to see your occasional unavailability as an opportunity for the kids to learn the lifelong skill of independence and responsibility. After all, they will be adults one day you know.
Be that as it may, are you one of those who go through life only half-present? Remember to wake up and show up for your kids because to them, you mean the world-their ‘Most Valuable Player’. Don’t forget that your kid(s) have only about a couple of years to be adorable angels before juvenile delinquency kicks in, if you’re out of luck. LOL.
Be their MVP, but always, always strike a balance.
XOXO,
Yours Truly.
Nikimandi
