Taking Time To Be Present

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Taking Time To Be Present

Something I am working on this Holiday season is being present and available to my kids.  Yes, I am home with them and I get to spend lots of time with them, but am I really?  I am extra tired these days, being 6 months pregnant, its hard getting the energy to do things.  Besides getting distracted by my phone, computer, or shiny new things, I can get caught up in making my house look perfect, or baking just the right thing.

I forget that in the eyes of a child these things aren’t important and I shouldn’t stress about them.  My kids winter break has started and so we will have lots of time together until they return to school after the New Year.   I’ve come up with a few things I want to make sure I do to spend more quality time with my children so they can form wonderful memories of this time of year.   Its not the things we have but the time we spend together that really matters.

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  • Take time to listen:  This one is the hardest things for me.  Sometimes after a long day I just want peace and quiet.  My kids have amazing stories to tell and I’m missing them.
  • Take time to teach:  My kids are interested in a lot of different things and are so curious.  I need to spend more time teaching instead of trying to rush through.
  • Take time to interact: Whether its playing a little game, making a simple craft or, reading a book together this time is precious and I need to take advantage of it.
  • Take time to learn:  Even though they are young, and are still learning, so am I.  They teach me so much about life and I need to pay attention so I can learn a thing or two from them.

Some simple ideas I have to help me spend more quality time with my kids are:

  • help the kids gather unused toys and donate them
  • let them help in the kitchen
  • decorate cookies together
  • visit light displays as a family
  • make treats and deliver to our friends and neighbors
  • watch a movie together
  • write letters and take them to the post office
  • reading nightly Christmas stories together
  • roasting marshmallows and drinking hot chocolate
  • take them to the park
  • wrap gifts together

There are so many things we can do but the most important is just being together and me being available to my precious little ones.  They sure grow up quick and I’d hate for their memories of the Holidays be how much time I spent on my phone or computer.  I’m far from perfect but I’m trying my very best to help my kids have a wonderful Holiday season by being present and enjoying every moment we have together.

From my family to yours, I wish everyone a joyous Holiday season!

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