I love spending time with my kids, especially when it's doing something fun rather than the daily grinds. Everyday, they have piano practice, they have to clean their rooms, they have to do their home work, they have to be taxi'd around to their activities, they have to ..... have to.... have to..... I realized awhile ago that I'm not giving my kids enough time to be kids.
I don't remember having these issues as a kid. What I remember is getting home from school, dropping my book bag on the floor and running out to play with the neighbors. I'd either hop on my bike or just walk over to their house and knock on the door. My parents didn't call their parents to make a play date.
After dinner, I'd sit and get my homework done. That was enough time. Now, my children tend to take hours each day and some over the weekend making sure all of their homework is done, their projects are being worked on and they study for their spelling, social studies or science tests.
I think that is important to find the time to let them be kids on a daily basis. Being a grown kid myself, I try to help them with this. I'll find the time to take them outside on their bikes or play a game with them. I'll try to get down on the floor and play with their plastic people with them.
During this time of year, every night there is a Christmas special on TV and we'll let them stay up late to watch. I remember watching as a kid and they bring back good memories so I try to watch with them creating their memories.
My kids won't forget last night. 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' was on and did we laugh together! The scene when the kids are dancing.... we laughed! When little Sally talked to her big brother.... we laughed. When Snoopy did his Snoopy things... we laughed. When the group of kids wave their hands in front of Charlies tree.... we laughed.
Spending time with my kids is priceless.
(Here's a quick post script.... Lucy says to Linus.... "I don't want toys or kids stuff for Christmas this year". Linus asks, "What do you want?". Lucy's response... "REAL ESTATE!".... I laughed)
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