Being Present
I read this post by A Different Drumbeat tonight and was struck by how true it rang for me. I am a stay-at-home parent. I do not want to go outside my home to earn a living. I have chosen this life and I love it. The truth of the matter, though, is that while I am home with my kids I am not always present with my kids. They play and chat to me. While I read. They jump on the trampoline. While I interact with other parties on my cellphone. They talk to me. While I websurf. I am not saying I feel huge guilt here. More awareness, yes. Guilt no. I do not think my children need my undivided attention 3 hours a day. I am entitled to time to do my own thing and engage my own interests, however I am becoming aware that I seldom do ONE thing at a time. I am beginning to view multi-tasking as a curse. Not a talent. Tonight I lay with Honey in her bed for almost an hour. I never (okay, very seldom) do that. Tonight I learnt that she loves playing with her sister but doesnt like to admit it out l...