Exploring Our Children’s Potentials

Being a fulltime parent doesn’t necessarily mean we’re REALLY there with our kids.

I mean, we can be ‘with’ our kids because we’re interacting with them while we’re doing ‘other things’.

But really, when we are there with these little ones, are we really really THERE with them, giving them our time and fullest attention? Being in their world and play with them?

Because I feel we get too easily distracted, even more so today than say, a decade ago.

Today we have mobile phones in our hands where we can send text messages, check emails and surf the internet. We have blackberry and facebook. We have laptops. We have the URGE to check these gadgets regularly for updates.

(not to forget we also have endless list of things to do around the house too everyday)

Now.

Let us ask ourselves these questions:

Do we answer our kids’ questions while looking at the computer screen or our mobile phone?
Do we sit next to our kids while we ourselves read the papers or ‘do other work’?
When was the last time we stay with our kids and truly listen (for a long, uninterrupted, period of time) to what they have to show, share and tell us?

You know, I can’t help but feel so guilty when I reflect upon this.

…

Yes, we parents have endless list of things to do.

Yes, it’s great if we can multitask and squeeze our time (doing ‘more’ at a given time).

But in the end, let us not forget too that our little ones need our uninterrupted time and undivided attention as well.

It’s something that I need to constantly remind myself too.

(And really, they are not asking for much. They’ll be more than happy, I’m sure, if we can spare even one uninterrupted hour out of our busy schedule each day with them)

Let’s remember to REALLY BE THERE for our kids. Starting today.