A friend from my hometown recently posted something on Facebook that really hit me. Her name is Cindy and she is an amazing mother of two adorable boys.
Cindy is currently teaching a “Strengthening Families Class”. She posted that when the kids in the class were asked what stressed them out or upset them, they responded, “When my parents don’t listen to me or they walk away when I'm trying to tell them something.” They also said that it hurt them when their parents “Answered their cell phone during conversations". (ouch.) How many times have I been guilty of this? I can be on the phone, watching a show, making dinner, working on the computer…it’s hard to think of the amount of times the kids have wanted or needed my attention and I’ve simply responded, “Hang on a second, I’ll be right there.”
Now, I don’t think that a parent should drop everything at all times and wait hand and foot on their children. I do believe that kids need to learn how to be patient and respectful. On the other hand, it breaks my heart to think that children in their little minds would ever have a sense of being ignored or neglected. How many times are we texting, surfing the web, or anything else so simple, causing us to “put off” being with our kids? So many things are so much less important than paying attention to them.
I’ll never forget one of my friends telling me how guilty she felt once when her five year old daughter relentlessly pulled on her shirt as she tried to clean the kitchen. When my friend had finally had enough, she looked down at her daughter with exhaustion and snapped, “WHAT?!” Her little girl looked up with hurt in her eyes and held a picture that she had drawn for her mom.
That happened before I had kids, but it resonates even deeper with me now that I do. I am guilty of that same exhaustion, frustration and impatient attitude. I hate it when that’s felt by the kids.
It was good to get Cindy’s reminder of what’s really significant in life. Friends, family and especially our children are irreplaceable and should always feel important. Thank You for your wonderful words of wisdom Cindy! I’m going to go hang out with the kids now! XO
Cindy is currently teaching a “Strengthening Families Class”. She posted that when the kids in the class were asked what stressed them out or upset them, they responded, “When my parents don’t listen to me or they walk away when I'm trying to tell them something.” They also said that it hurt them when their parents “Answered their cell phone during conversations". (ouch.) How many times have I been guilty of this? I can be on the phone, watching a show, making dinner, working on the computer…it’s hard to think of the amount of times the kids have wanted or needed my attention and I’ve simply responded, “Hang on a second, I’ll be right there.”
Now, I don’t think that a parent should drop everything at all times and wait hand and foot on their children. I do believe that kids need to learn how to be patient and respectful. On the other hand, it breaks my heart to think that children in their little minds would ever have a sense of being ignored or neglected. How many times are we texting, surfing the web, or anything else so simple, causing us to “put off” being with our kids? So many things are so much less important than paying attention to them.
I’ll never forget one of my friends telling me how guilty she felt once when her five year old daughter relentlessly pulled on her shirt as she tried to clean the kitchen. When my friend had finally had enough, she looked down at her daughter with exhaustion and snapped, “WHAT?!” Her little girl looked up with hurt in her eyes and held a picture that she had drawn for her mom.
That happened before I had kids, but it resonates even deeper with me now that I do. I am guilty of that same exhaustion, frustration and impatient attitude. I hate it when that’s felt by the kids.
It was good to get Cindy’s reminder of what’s really significant in life. Friends, family and especially our children are irreplaceable and should always feel important. Thank You for your wonderful words of wisdom Cindy! I’m going to go hang out with the kids now! XO
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That's it! There's nothing else to do! Thank You So Much!!! (Oh and there are some peanut butter cookies in it for you if I see you!) :)
That's it! There's nothing else to do! Thank You So Much!!! (Oh and there are some peanut butter cookies in it for you if I see you!) :)
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