As we enter into 2015, I’ve made a lot of resolutions that go beyond losing a couple pounds. One of the things, I want to be is more present with my children. It’s easier on weekends or on snow days, because we have an endless supply of crafts. But during the week, especially as a working mom, this can be incredibly difficult.
With school and work taking up the majority of our days, and the absence of my daughter on the weekend, quality time with my daughter is hard to come by. And after a long day at work(I get home at 8pm), there is always a laundry list of things that needs to be completed at home and very little time before it’s bedtime for kiddos. However, I’m determined to find a way.
As I mentioned in this post, I’m starting out with small steps on my road to success. The first step, is TV time. As a pre-teen (she’s almost 8 but is pretty much a pre-teen lol) she loves watching TV. However, I typically hate these show (you know those terrible Disney shows that make you want to gouge your eyes out). During this time, I may sit next to her, but I’m never present. I’m on my 3DS (hey, moms can game too) or playing silly games on the phone. Instead though, I am resolving to giving my undivided attention to whatever she is watching each night for at least an episode.
I know… you are thinking, so you are resolving to watch TV to be closer to your children? Seriously? But hear me out. By being present and watching what she wants to watch (and paying attention to it), we can comment on the TV show together. We’ll laugh together, talk about the subjects that come up, etc. By taking this small amount of time with her, she gets to cuddle with me, share something she enjoys with me, and genuinely, feel loved by her parent, distraction free. Hey, it’s a small step, but I think it’s more important that just using the TV as something for her to zone into so I can go do laundry or what not.
What are some things that you do to be more present when you have limited time?
PS: Gave up McDonald’s Medium $1.00 coffee and switched to their unsweetened ice tea. Still caffiene, get more (large vs medium), and less calories/no sugar.
