Every now and then I'll get a story sent to me by e-mail that is a no-brainer idea for an article. One of those came across my desk just the other day. It's called "I Wish I Had a Second Chance."
Like many of these things, the author's name was not included. If anyone knows who the author is, I'd love to know so I can give him or her credit and thanks.
Give it a read, and then let's put some 'hands and feet' on how to use it in your own life.
My hands were busy through the day, I didn't have much time to play the little games you asked me to. I didn't have much time for you. I'd wash your clothes, I'd sew and cook. But when you brought your picture book and asked me to share your fun, I'd say A little later, son.
I'd tuck you in all safe at night and hear your prayers, turn out the light. Then tiptoe softly to the door. I wish I'd stayed a minute more. For life is short, the years rush past ... a little boy grows up so fast. No longer is he at your side, his precious secrets to confide.
The picture books are put away, there are no longer games to play, no good night kiss, no prayers to hear ... that all belongs to yesteryear. My hands once busy now are still. The days are long and hard to fill. I wish I could go back and do all the little things you asked me to.
If you're like me, you are feeling a little misty. But instead of just getting misty, let's use this to make things a little better.
Let's take a little trip into the future. Let's fast forward five, 10, 20 years from now, when your kids are no longer interested in asking you to do anything with them, much less play.
What does that regret feel like as you look back?
I never want to feel that way. So come back from the future with me, and let's do something about it right now.
How to make the time
Every single one of us is the same in that we each get 24 hours and no more each day. My belief is that we can make the time for the important things if we know how. Here are three strategies to make the time:
1. What keeps you from spending time with your kids?
Whatever it is, I'd suggest evaluating it very carefully and severely. How can you change it? Can you move it around, reschedule it, do it less, give it to someone else to do, or just stop doing it altogether?
2. Date your kids
Set dates-with-Mommy or dates-with-Daddy times. These are one-on-one times to spend with each other. Protect these dates as you would an important business appointment. At least two good things can result:
=>The time is set and protected
=> your kid will feel very special.
Follow them when you play with them
Let them lead and set the agenda. This is going to feel awkward at first, because we are so used to pushing hard, setting agendas and getting things done. Just follow them. One of the many really cool side effects of this is that after you practice this for a while, it can be very relaxing.
One of the many things we can take with us from this story is best said by Patrick Boyle, editor of Youth Today:
The reality is that our to-do lists never end, while our kids' childhoods do.
Visit parentingyourteenager.com for tips and tools for thriving during the teen years. You can also subscribe to our f*r*e*e 5 day e-program on parentingyourteenager.com
executive chauffeured services Bradford .. Madison to Airport carIt's back to school time again. Does the thought of... Read More
A while ago I received this story from David in... Read More
Spending quality time with your children doesn't need to cost... Read More
The initial state of happiness about an own child is... Read More
What do you mean average? Not good? Just doing good... Read More
What should the goals for counseling be when the patient... Read More
You do what you can to keep your little ones... Read More
Below is a copy of our eating program for Attention... Read More
At age seven months in the womb, humans begin language... Read More
Many children who suffer from the psychological effects of child... Read More
The popularity of EEG Biofeedback Training continues to grow both... Read More
When was the last time you and your kids rolled... Read More
So you want to be a mum? Every time you... Read More
Most parents can hardly wait for their baby to say... Read More
Being consistent when children are less than perfect can make... Read More
I've often thought that in 6 million years, archaeologists will... Read More
A tall, weary-looking mother with glasses, walked into my counseling... Read More
Bi-Polar Disorder, or Manic Depression, is characterized by mood swings,... Read More
Parents play a critical role in their child's success. These... Read More
When my oldest daughter was born, I walked the floor... Read More
Every now and then I'll get a story sent to... Read More
Several similar terms describe the central attribute of a character... Read More
We take it for granted that children know how money... Read More
Picture this. Your child comes home with a special assignment... Read More
Memorabilia ? Children can create enough artwork for an entire... Read More
O'Hare Chicago prom limo ..We're all familiar with the over-indulgent parent. But there's another... Read More
Is it possible to be using our children addictively?Anything that... Read More
Do you want to create a deeper, more loving relationship... Read More
"Not another meeting!"That tends to be the reaction from many... Read More
How should one look upon Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)... Read More
"Walk through any toy store and you will see walls... Read More
A common problem many times facing parents is Colic. Estimates... Read More
Identity and Your Fraternal TwinFor the most part, throughout this... Read More
Our back-to-school buying habits do not help kids succeed in... Read More
Once the newness has worn off a little, you will... Read More
Baby names are as diverse as the people to whom... Read More
"It takes a village to raise a child" is more... Read More
Beyond cases reported to authorities, little knowledge exists on the... Read More
Young people generally want to fit in to their various... Read More
Dads, please let me encourage you to change some things... Read More
Jason Roberts listened to his son's explanation of the missing... Read More
10 Fun Things You Can Do With Your Children this... Read More
There are a lot of sophisticated parenting theories and techniques... Read More
Does music need to be "dumbed-down" for kids? The answer... Read More
What is child sexual abuse? Any sexual activity that is... Read More
Volunteering together is a fantastic way to spend time as... Read More
Managing money is one of the most critical skills we... Read More
Life is full of competition -- even in childhood. Kids... Read More
Moms and dads, are there times you think that parenting... Read More
Back to school preparations are in full-swing. Soon, the first... Read More
Parenting |