Attention Hogs
parenting | 1 Comment » | Posted in
My kids beg for some form of attention from me almost every second of the day. They expect a lot from me. Sometimes, it’s not a big deal, but others I just want to do what I want at that moment. It’s hard not to fall into that trap of thinking you’re just a servant to your kids.
Except really I am. And I’m happy to be the person they go to to fulfill their every whim. Of course, I want them to become self sufficient, but I want them to know that they can always depend on me. Yes, there are times they have to wait while I finish what I’m doing, but I think if I am giving, they will learn the same trait.
I hear a lot of moms saying “my kids expect me to do X,Y,Z for them. What do they do for me?” I have no doubt that these women love their children, I just know I don’t want to sound like them.
I am grateful for the chance to mother these children, to do for them, to try my best to fulfill their every dream.
In trying to be a better mother, I promise:
- to look my children in the eye when they speak to me
- minimize computer time when my children are with me
- limit phone time when my children are with me
- try my hardest to stay away from “just a sec”
- hug them when they start screaming or crying (praying on this one.)
- love them with all my heart
- love their father with all my heart
- start my day with prayer
- pray for them
- play with them
I still stare at each of my kids in amazement. How did I really get here? Am I really equipped to raise them? With God’s grace, I can do it. I just hope I can do a good job.
From Lisa:
I think you’re doing an awsome job with the kids. I believe self-sacrifice goes a long way with God. You turning to the saints is great because they can teach us alot about self-sacrifice. You giving the kids plenty of love and attention now is a good thing. In a few years, you’ll be glad. My girls are 17 years old and 13 years old. There is a lot of scary crap out there and having them close has been key.