By: Jamie Mitchell
Date: January 22, 2017
In the whirlwind of motherhood, finding stillness can often feel like an elusive goal. Like many parents, I’m frequently juggling multiple tasks. After navigating a challenging year filled with stress and significant life adjustments, I’ve realized the importance of prioritizing my children’s needs over an endless to-do list.
Traditionally, I’ve encouraged my kids to engage in their own activities, allowing me to tackle various tasks. Time slips by as I rush to complete my agenda while they entertain themselves. While I take pride in their independence and resourcefulness, I’ve come to recognize a troubling pattern in my behavior: I often drop everything and dash away from their playtime.
Recently, I resolved to change this dynamic. Admittedly, this shift is not easy for me; I’m the type of person who schedules time blocks to maximize productivity, even when I know it’s unrealistic. However, this new approach has pleasantly surprised my children.
What Have I Committed to Doing More Often?
I linger. Instead of racing off to check tasks off my list, I choose to stay and observe as they explore their creativity. Their initial response is often confusion: “Aren’t you busy?” or “Why are you still here?” Yet, I’ve realized that our children may simply crave our undivided attention in these moments—not in a hovering way, but rather in a sincere manner that conveys, “I value this time with you.”
By lingering, I give my children a gift that benefits us both. Even if it’s just for a brief ten minutes, my presence becomes a powerful affirmation of love and support. This act of doing nothing—setting aside my tasks and distractions—allows me to be emotionally and physically available to them. I clear my hands and mind, focusing solely on the joy of watching their play.
Sometimes, I catch my eldest giving me a knowing glance, while the youngest brings me a Lego piece with a bright smile before returning to their imaginative play. Their eyes brim with wonder, and their unique behaviors shift so rapidly; these moments are fleeting. Instead of rushing to engage in more “important” work, I choose to linger.
The Rewards of Presence
As a parent, I am gradually learning that embracing the simplicity of presence can be profoundly rewarding. If you’re interested in exploring further about the journey of parenthood and related topics, check out our post on home insemination kits and learn more about the couples’ fertility journey for intracervical insemination. For a comprehensive overview of artificial insemination, this resource is invaluable.
In summary, the art of lingering during my children’s playtime has opened me up to richer experiences and connections with them. It allows me to pause, reflect, and appreciate the small but significant moments that define our family life.
Keyphrase: embracing presence in parenting
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]