One on One time with the kids
I often get asked how I manage with all the kids, at first it was a question that would bother me. That because I didn’t really understand, women a long time ago did it. Now it seems as though having more then one or even more than two children is not a great idea. Having experienced the somewhat disapproval for having a third, of my own. I knew then that what they really wanted to know was how do you do it and not complain ignore any of the kids. Not being so sure how others managed I wanted to share how we manage to have “happy” kids.
We are not perfect nor do we pretend to be at all, I have made some parenting errors over the years. But we learn from those errors and build upon them so that we don’t do them again. We have a blended family, hubby has two from a previous (some of you know) I have two from a previous and we have one of our own. My Ex and I co-parent and Hubby co-parents with his ex, I say that because we ALL agree that one on one time with the kids is vital.
In most situations one on one time is used to fix a relationship between a parents and child. In our well bended family we find it important that all of our children have that time with us. These times together aren’t crazy tips out because the distractions around us may hinder what the goal really is, to spend that time together. The one on one time I am referring to is the little moments our children seem to cherish more, the ones that stick out the most. When I was pregnant with little man it was easier to divide my time with the girls, when he was born the importance of that individual time was more apparent, I didn't want B to feel like the middle child. I have witnessed children experience this as well as have seen the consequence as they become adults.
During these intimate times is when nicknames come out, we all have different relationships with each child. It isn’t that one is more special than the other, it’s a connection. I know what you're thinking, how do you do it with several kids. It takes support from each parent and our kids understand what is happening. Bath time is little mans special one on one time, he loves the water and can stay there for hours playing with me. There is no distraction and rushed time, all the other kids know that its our time so they don’t try and intrude on that. B loves to cook with me and hang with me in the kitchen, that’s her safe space to talk to me about everything and anything. With my oldest she waits till bedtime, when she and I are alone where we cuddle for some time. During this time she is telling me all about her day and asking me all the questions in the universe, lol.
Wanted to see if other parents thought of one on one time the way we did. I brought up the topic to some of my mom friends while at dance class and they all agreed. It was important and they new it, they all had their own special moments with their children.
One big tip that I must end this with is: Devices OFF, when our children see that we are giving them our undivided attention they will thrive.
