The true gifts of life lie in the moment. That is why we call it the present. ~ Author Unknown
In the midst of a busy day it’s easy for mamas to think of our children as “tasks” rather than as “hearts” we need to connect with. I sometimes struggle with putting my kids before my to-do list. After all, I can mark things off my to-do list as “done.” With kids, they are never done.
It hurts my heart to realize what my kids see and experience on some days: a busy, distracted mom who orders their lives instead of really seeing them.
“If young children live in the present and adults spend most of their time in the past or in the future, we have abandoned our children to some degree,” says Becky Bailey, PH.D., author of I Love Your Rituals.
How often are your children present but abandoned in your day?
Do you expect them to be able to entertain themselves so you can get your work done? Do you use the television or video games to keep your kids occupied more than you should so you can focus on your work? I’ve been guilty of both.
Yet, I also know children can only entertain themselves for so long. Children will do what it takes to get our attention. Won’t they?
“We get caught up in our obligations and tasks and lose sight of our children until they ‘get in trouble’ (displease us) or ‘do something special’ (please us),” says Bailey. “On these occasions, children received our undivided attention—negative or positive. Neither type of attention is helpful or healthy. . . . To break this cycle, adults must take charge and establish strong relationships with children. They must make time to ‘be’ with their children. This time must be commanded and orchestrated by adults, not demanded by children.”
We must give our children attention—real, focused, positive attention. I’ve found when I spend even ten or fifteen minutes with my children at regular intervals during the day, they are happy to entertain themselves or play positively with their siblings at other times. When our child’s love tank/attention tank is full, then he or she has fuel to feed other positive relationships.
Each moment in our day we have the choice to be present. Our children will not only benefit from it, but we will reap the rewards.
40 Ways to Be Present in Your Child’s Day
Sing “This Little Piggie Went to Market” as you put on your child’s socks.
Make eye contact when your child asks you a question.
Use different voices when reading a bedtime story.
Play horsey ride.
Take a deep breath and say a prayer thanking God for “right now.”
Get on the floor and invite your child to join you.
Create a gratitude journal with your kids and add to it through the day.
Put down your smart phone. Set it aside and pick it up and check it once and hour.
Write things you appreciate about your kids on post-it notes and repeat these things often.
Add a sprinkling of love to your child’s lunch. Ask, “What is one thing I can do to show my child I love him/her during this meal?”
Ignore the dishes, the laundry, the vacuuming for the first hour of the day and start the day off with your child.
Teach your child a finger play you knew as a child.
Find ways to say “Yes” rather than “No.”
Start again if a moment’s not going right. Call out, “Do over!”
Reflect on what your child is doing at that moment. “You are standing on one leg. You are jumping up and down.” Don’t feel you have to praise for no reason … kids just enjoy the focused attention.
Teach your child a simple chore.
Slow down. Take twice as long as you plan on doing something, and do it with your child.
Tell your child about an experience you had when you were his/her age.
Soak in your child’s stories. Ask for more details.
Ask your child what he/she would like to do for ten minutes. Set a timer and have fun.
Go into the yard and see what type of creatures you can find.
Play Simon Says.
Tell your child than you are so thankful he/she is part of your family.
In your mind trade places. How does your child see you in that moment? How do you want your child to see you?
Call a friend or family member with your child, just to say, “Hi.”
Exercise together!
Bring out your photo album and share a special memory.
Offer a hug.
Host a family meeting and highlight things your family can look forward to and things your family is doing right.
Catch your child doing something right.
Ask your child to help you with whatever your working on.
Go on a lunch date.
See how high you can count as a team.
Visit the library.
Tell your child about the first week after they were born.
Tell your child the meaning of her name.
Memorize a Bible verse together.
Turn off the Television
Forgive yourself. Don’t let your mind wander to the past and all the ways you’ve messed up as a parent. Give that to God.
If you find yourself thinking/worrying about the future file that away for later when your kids are in bed. Better yet, give that to God, too!
Now . . . what can you add to this list? I’d love to know!
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