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Family should come before work

Nearly every day when I get home from work, my son lights up like a Christmas tree. He usually comes running with a great, big smile on his face. "Daddy, are you ready to play?", he says. I say to him, "give me a few minutes and let me change clothes".

Usually, there are so many things to do after I get home and my time with him ends up being short. Once I change clothes, take care of a few loose ends that did not get finished from earlier in the day, eat dinner and do yard work or other things around the house, it is nearly dark outside and time for my son to take his bath.

My son thinks that it is so unfair that I don't have more time to spend with him. I try to nicely explain what I have to get finished before I can do the things that he would like for us to do. But you can't really expect a child to be understanding of that, can you? After-all, their life is care-free. Their mom and dad are all that really matter. Everything and everybody else is second place to them.

All of us that are blessed to have children need to take the time to enjoy them while we can. My son is 6 years old. Hopefully I still have a few more years to cherish that great, big smile that lights up like a Christmas tree.

I've learned something from him and that is this: Family should come before work. No matter what I am doing, I should take the time to spend with him, even if it is just for a few minutes. Those few minutes in his life will last a lifetime - for him and me!

Posted by Keith Pate on 05/08/2007 09:02 AM

Comments (6)

family, daddy, christmas, son, home, smile, blessed, mom, children, child, work

Post is included in group: Kudos

6 Comments on Family should come before work

I sure try to set aside family time. Don't get to do it nearly as much as I like but I try.

05/08/2007 09:05 AM

by T.U.P. Realty

Family is #1 and that is that!! I also get my kids involved with my career- if you were to look at my blog in "Mommy sells houses"- I have a blog there that talks about how I involve my kids which gives them an undestanding of what I do and if I have a late evening, they are more understanding!! I always put my family first but in the world today- it's not always easy to do the things yo would like to do.

05/08/2007 09:27 AM

by MAUREEN STACCATO Associate Partner Massachusetts (KELLER WILLIAMS OF PIONEER VALLEY)

I love my kids and I do my best to get them involved in what I do. But I have to admit some times it is very hard.

05/08/2007 09:39 AM

by Camarillo CA Real Estate Agent/ Mana Tulberg (Beach View Real Estate)

Jeff - I tend to say the same thing. I wonder if it is we just don't take the time to spend more time with family? I have to admit, sometimes that is true.

Maureen- Nice blog! Great idea to have them involved with your work. I should try that as well. My son, loves to help with anything.

Mana - It is hard to do. I guess we should all be more disciplined......if that is possible.

05/08/2007 09:45 AM

by Keith Pate (Coldwell Banker / HPW)

Reminds me of the movie.. CLICK with Adam Sandler!

05/12/2007 02:06 PM

by Kevin Raymund Lao Jacinto (Coldwell Banker Pioneer Real Estate)

We only have are kids for a few short years, I do my best to spend as much time with them as possible.

05/27/2007 08:40 PM

by Rosemont Financial Inc