The weeks fly by at breakneck speed. We’ve barely started Monday, and suddenly it’s already Thursday night. Between swim lessons, dance classes, and dentist appointments—with rushed mornings, special days when we have to remember to dress the kids differently for daycare and pack a change of clothes in their bags—tick-tock, tick-tock!
Then, you wake up one morning and realize that your oldest can now count to thirty on her own. You pick up your youngest from daycare and learn that he’s ready to go there in just his underwear from now on. You feel overwhelmed, and it hits you like a ten-wheeler. You’re driving down the highway and the milestones are flying by on both sides, without you even having time to realize it. You’d like to slow down and take the time to experience them, but that’s not always possible. When you start thinking about it, guilt immediately gnaws at you from the inside.
Know that it’s not your fault, and understand this: even though you’ve been trying to send an email or make a call since this morning, put down your cell phone. Even though you’re dreaming of watching ONE episode of that show you’re way behind on, turn off your TV. Lock yourself in the playroom with your little ones if you have to, and take the time to play with them. Watch them and really play. Instead of hoping to catch up with them soon on a day off, take things a few minutes at a time here and there. They’d much rather have a little quality time with you every day. I know you have a million things to do, but those little ones will grow up all too soon, and you’ll have plenty of time then. I’ll even bet you’ll end up complaining that you have too much of it. So force yourself to enjoy the present moment, because it’s written in the stars that you’ll miss it sooner or later.
Don’t get me wrong—I’m not criticizing you; we’re all in the same boat. We all love our children, and we all do our best—and then some. This isn’t a competition to be the perfect parent or to see who spends the most time with their kids. Just do what it takes to avoid regrets and to ensure their happiness is as great as possible. That’s what an ideal parent is. Ideal for YOUR children, not in the eyes of others. Remember to take a breather, slow down, and simply live—one minute at a time.