For the last month or so I have pretty much been lying in bed, on the couch, at the doctor's or in the hospital. I am happy to say that it is now over! yaaaaay! Although I am still recovering and my body seems to need like 11 hours of sleep a day, it is looking up.
During all of the insanity my daughter has been with different family members, babysitters and friends since I wasn't able to do much of anything. I try as much as possible to take some time every weak for my daughter and I to have some real quality one on one time together. Usually we draw, play a game, go out for breakfast or even a nice walk in the park. I find this time almost re energizes both of us. It feeds us in so many ways. It strengthens our bond and gives my daughter some easy going, no pressure time to talk to me about what ever is on her mind. Whenever we have this time together she almost always tells me about something that's been bothering her, or she asks me questions about something I would have never known she was concerned with, or was interested in. It is always a wonderful time that I think is super important for parents and their kids.
I know life can be so busy that it is hard to fit this time in, but even if you go to their rooms a half an hour or fifteen minutes before bed time and read a book and then have some extra time to just talk, you will be surprised how much your munchkin will love it.
Have you ever noticed when little ones are playing at a park or at a play date, all of a sudden they will run up to their parents or caregiver, give them a two minute hug or just lean on them and then run off again? I've always looked at it as kids needing to go to home base to refuel.
Well as they get older they still need that, they just don't know it. Since I've been feeling better I knew I needed to give my daughter that time. I decided to get out our paints, a big canvas and create a wonderful painting together for her bedroom. It was so much fun! It gave us both a chance to be creative, make something for our home and just hang out. So, if your kids bedrooms are in need of some art or wall decor, save your money and make something together, you'll be glad you did it.
Happy Painting!
Just wanted to say that, I think it is equally beneficial for the parent to "go to home base to refuel", to refuel yourself energetically, as well as your family.
ReplyDeleteAll relationships can thrive by simply being with, and listening to, and having fun with the ones who mean so much to us.
Thanks for the encouragement and the reminder.