Monday, March 03, 2014
He packed 11 books for our little adventure. I encouraged him to cull them to four, we were only going for a day.
When your child goes to school it's rare to get one-on-one time with them. I imagine it's the same for families with more than two children, or for those who work full-time or for those who are just plain busy (all of us)...
Put simply, I've found that I have to be quite disciplined about creating time for Che and I to go somewhere or do something together. Sure, there's little moments here and there but what a difference a whole day makes to our relationship and his contentment (and my joy!). I took him to Sydney on Friday, an early morning train ride in the quiet carriage with the commuters. We visited our friend Alex (do yourself a favour and look at her photos, she is one of a kind), walked in the rain, spotted some low flying planes, shared morning tea in a sweet little inner-city cafe, bought a Batman comic and then hopped on the train home.
And you know what? It was like I had taken him to New York. He was so happy; to have me to himself, to ask me as many questions as he wanted, to hold my hand the entire time. Just before he fell asleep that night he said to me: "Mum, today was the absolute best." And when he woke the next morning, he exclaimed: "Yesterday was just great!" Oh my heart.
So: create one-on-one time with your children; regardless of their age, regardless of your busy schedule, regardless of the effort it takes to organise the time. It's worth it - always.
16 COMMENTS
Labels: simple parenting
Agreed. So totally worth it. I have Mondays with Finn and Tuesday mornings with Ronan. They are both incredibly special times with my boys. Love the photo up there, he still looks so little with that big backpack on! x
ReplyDeletei steal one of my five home for a day each term.
ReplyDeletefor mine & their spiritual growth.
and just because sometimes there doesn't need to be a reason
xxx
So true. I love one on one time, especially now that Riley is at school. So glad you enjoyed your day together. xx
ReplyDeleteThis is such a timely post for me. With 4 kids under 7 and a FIFO hubby there is little one on one time. I took my eldest to the doctor on Sunday morning with an ear infection. He loved it. Even just the 30 ,I mutes or so with mum to himself was worth the earache. I have vowed to get better at this. X
ReplyDeleteSame here. My son (the eldest, now in school) and I try to have one "mummy and son" date per month. We did it once and he asked for it to be a regular thing. We both really need that time together. I can feel his whole attitude change the minute we are out the door just the two of us. It does take a bit of effort and organisation to actually do it, but it's well worth it.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely lovely...exploding heart when they love that time they have with you
ReplyDeleteOne on one time is so special. Memories of those moments always stand out for me for some reason x
ReplyDeleteI really love the colors and set-up for this pic, well done! :-)
ReplyDeletehttp://tinajoathome.com/
Such a sweet, sweet post.
ReplyDeleteit's so important isn't it. I really need to get much better at this, my boys are growing up so quick x
ReplyDeleteSo true. So glad you had such a special day together. I am back to work now and miss spending everyday with my son. Maybe one day I will be able to stay home... Love the pic too! :)
ReplyDeletexo, Sarah @movingeastonwest
What a lovely day for the both of you and "time" is definitely something that kids need over a new skateboard. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane, Australia
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely day for the both of you and "time" is definitely something that kids need over a new skateboard. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane, Australia
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful. A lovely reminder indeed. I'm so mindful of us having family time, and often the boys - Dada and Cohen - will go out together and leave us girls - Emerson and I - to do as we please. But it isn't often that it's just Cohen and I. Might be about time! xx
ReplyDeleteso poignant and well said. thank you.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful reminder, Jodi. I feel like Sofia often lashes out at me because of the time that I spend with the baby. It's hard to ever have a moment where it's just the two of us. I started taking her to a weekly dance class where the parents join in... perfect mama/daughter time. I always feel like I could be doing more, though. Sending big love your way!
ReplyDelete