All They Want is Our Time
Being a stay-at-home / work-from-home dad, I relish the moments when our 8 month old daughter is asleep — those times when I can get a moment to myself and do little things… like blog. Then I read this little story about a survey asking kids what they really want from their parents:
The article talks about using your interaction to teach your kids about creativity, rather than buying them an “edutainment” toy that – if you just buy the whole collection – will make your child into a Baby Picasso. Personally, I can’t wait for the day our girl can pick up a crayon without eating it.
Of course, any story like this leaves me asking, “Am I spending enough time with our Daughter?!?” So as soon as she woke up I dragged out the blankets, set up a little camp-out spot on the grass in the front and played peek-a-boo with her for a good five minutes. Then she got tired of me and went to play with her doggie-rattle. Oh well.
Responses and Conversations
Interesting article. We’re struggling with this very same thing at the moment. Ours is 11 months old and to the point where she’s eating up any attention she gets, and we’re trying our hardest to satisfy her. It’s definitely hard to figure out, especially as first time parents. If you figure it out, be sure and let everyone know…
Comment by Ryan on May 17th, 2006 at 6:34 am
Ryan – Right there with you. I think this article is really more about being able to see yourself inside your child’s playtime, rather than trying to entertain them with stuff.
My mom was playing Baby Mozart for our Daughter and, when I came in to see what they were doing, said, “She’s being very attentive for music time.” I realized that my mom saw watching a video with my girl as the beginnings of music lessons that would last a lifetime. In my mom’s case, it’s less about spending every second with our Daughter, because that’s just impossible. It’s about being in the moment when she is with her.
That’s inspiring.
Comment by Chris Frazier on May 17th, 2006 at 10:10 am
Chris, I’ll play peek-a-boo with you as long as you want.
Comment by John Koontz on May 17th, 2006 at 3:40 pm