Today I learned that I'm getting better at this parenting gig.
The kids just finished winter break and went back to school a couple of days ago. While I love being with them, I usually find myself begging for the end of school vacations and wishing for peace. Not an unusual thought... but it loaded me with guilt. Why couldn't I be like many of my friends who long for a few extra days to snuggle with the wee ones? Meanwhile I was practically pushing them out the door. I became a freelancer so I could spend more time with the kids, but all I did was get frustrated and anxious.
This time, however, I vowed to schedule writing work to finish before the holidays and push aside the housework... and just be. We decorated the house, baked cookies, fed the ducks at the pond, went to Skate Station (thank God for school coupons!) and watched The Price is Right every day. Pure bliss.
As I thought about that today I realized that, for the first time, I too was longing for a few extra days of school vacation. When I was able to focus on just them and not deadlines or anything, I could enjoy them so much more.
Sounds pretty logical, but it's amazing how much you miss in the heat of a tantrum. And I'm not talking about one thrown by the kids.
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1 comment:
Ahhhh. My favorite of your fantastic posts. I learn, and relearn, and learn again this simple fact. It's not hangin' with the kid that drives me around the bend, it's hangin' with the kid when I think I should be working, cleaning, paying bills, helping my dad, organizing my office, grocery shopping, cooking, taking care of the pets, etc., etc., etc. When I really *really* give myself permission to just *be* with him, there's actually nothing better. Why can't I remember this from day to day?
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