It was a few weeks ago when I had this "A-HA" moment and realized I needed to change. I was talking on the phone and fixing lunch for the boys at the same time when my friend on the other end very lovingly stated, "Kate, I've shared that with you three times already." My lack of undivided attention caused me to miss information and gave the impression I didn't care. WOW, but I did care!
How often we do this to our little ones too! Our kids are super excited about something ...maybe a bug or a big tower of blocks they've built and because we are doing laundry or dishes we miss the moment to let them know we value their insight and what they have to say.
There is a time for play and work, but I think too often we try to combine the two, causing ourselves frustration and stifling our excitement. Allow yourself free time with each child where they can have your undivided attention. Push pause on life as they show you something new. Praise God daily for how HE created them and the interests they have. Plan out a scheduled time for "chores" when your kids are sleeping or snacking.
Do you multi-task well? How do you react when your child comes in need of your ear? Do they repeat themselves many times, like my phone friend, wondering if this time you will stop & receive what they have to say? My husband said it well, "Kate, there are many things we can multi-task, just not people." I try so hard to balance phone calls, lunches and cleaning but have learned it's better to let the machine get that call and return it later rather than only giving myself partially to the conversation because of tasks at hand I am already involved in at that moment. I am learning!
As shared in "Words of Wisdom" Part #1...Cherish every moment you have with your child. Time passes so quickly and the day will come when you look back on those memories.
