I've had an experience in the last week that rocked my world and opened my eyes to the fact that I've been a lazy parent.
I have 3 very active boys. One is a toddler and needs either constant attention or supervision...one is having some struggles with school and needs my help with homework more than the others. And one? One is a teenager. He is more likely to retreat to his room, earbuds in his ear and disappear into a world of his computer (which is monitored) or texting his friends.
There is nothing wrong with him taking some time and space for himself but what I've learned is that I let him stay in his room because honestly...it is easier at times. He's quiet and I can focus on the other kids that are clamoring for my attention. I can make dinner or start a load of laundry or sit down for a few minutes.
But...it is also lazy. I need to take time to engage him and not take the path that is always easier.
I have always prided myself of being a good communicator with my kids and I'm finding that as they get older that is becoming harder to do. It takes more effort. The little one wants to tell me every detail of his day including what he ate for snack and what games he played on the playground. The middle one wants to tell me a few details then he wants me to shut up so he can play with his Legos and have elaborate army battles. The oldest one chooses when he wants to talk or not...sometimes he will tell me all sorts of fun stories but other times it is like pulling teeth to get information from him. All that is part of the season of life they are in.
BUT. I can't allow myself to pick the easy path so often.
Working this week on engaging my kids and finding out what is going on in their worlds. It is just too important not to.
