“If you don’t watch your children all the time you’ll miss something.”
“Turn off your phone and tune into your child.”
“Every moment is precious – don’t waste a single minute of parenthood.”
Lately there has been a rash of articles condemning parents for talking on their phone or surfing the web instead of “watching” their child. I don’t know about you – but I’m kinda over this whole sentiment.
I’m here to say it’s okay if you look away.
‘Cause do you really SEE what is in front of you all the time?
I know I don’t.
In fact, when I try to be that “perfect” parent – you know – the one that is at the park and fully engaged with their kids – running, laughing, watching every little step – it’s kind of an act. I’m not REALLY into playing the 20th round of hide and seek – I’m just going through the motions. Sure, the first couple of times were great fun – everyone laughed – we bonded – it was all good. But after about 15 minutes – my eyes start to glaze and my mind totally wanders. On the outside – I am SO the engaged parent making the most of every single minute with my kids. On the inside? Totally different story. I’m wondering about dinner, work, Facebook – ya know – the stuff that runs through EVERYONE’S mind. The minutiae of life.
For example, the other day I was at soccer practice for my youngest. Prior to the start of practice, my son likes to kick around the soccer ball with his Dad and I. We had a great time while my littlest was warming up. Kick, pass, laugh – it’s all good fun. Then they (the boys) had to leave and I was left behind to “watch” practice. I immediately grabbed my phone, sat down and started to go through emails, check messages, etc. After about 10 minutes I looked up to see my littlest running down the field. In that instant – I REALLY saw her.
She is perfect. 🙂
Her legs are strong and straight – her hair this cute mess of blonde strands forever hanging in her eyes – and her little face was just shining as she ran after the ball.
THIS is my baby – my pride – my love – my little girl.
In that moment I had an epiphany. Sometimes, when you look and look and look you stop seeing what is right in front of you.
No – I’m not a perfect parent. Yes – I look at my phone, read my book and feed my own interests occasionally. However, when I look up and take notice – I really SEE – and those moments are magic.
| My name is Kim and I’m married with two great kiddos, a fabulous husband (we’re high school sweethearts!) and a very cute, very lazy beagle named Bella. My husband and I both grew up in Upstate New York (Syracuse) and went to undergrad at SUNY Albany. We relocated to Colorado in 1997 and have never looked back!
I work from home full time as a marketer for a web hosting company based out of Denver. I get the best of both worlds – a stimulating work environment and the opportunity to be there for my family – I guess I am just a lucky girl! I love to exercise, read and hang out with my girlfriends. I also have several side hobbies that keep me hopping! I love to bargain shop and as a result often purchase things I don’t necessarily need but can’t resist – they were such a good deal! In turn, I decided to create a resale group dedicated to only New in Box (NIB) and New with Tags (NWT) so other peeps could reap the rewards of my bargain addiction! The group is Facebook based and called “Colorado Springs Brand New Bargains” (BnB) – I would love it if you joined our little family! In addition to BnB, I also have a personal blog called “Positively Mom Street” and it’s dedicated to finding the positive moments in everyday life. I look forward to sharing, learning and growing with the 719Moms team. Thanks for having me! <strong><em>Click here to read MORE articles from Kim E!</em></strong> |
