Today, I read a book. TWO chapters of a book, to be exact. And I didn’t put the book down once, not even when my two year old was crying that her sister took a toy OR when my four year old started screaming at her sister that she was going to “Tell mommy on you.”
While I would be lying if I tried to say I was actively watching or paying attention to what they were doing, from what I gather, my two daughters had an elaborate set up that crossed different environments, and they used their imaginations to role play a typical day of “life.”
What’s that you say?? IMAGINATIONS and ROLE PLAY??? Well, that certainly doesn’t sound like a child of the 21st century. What about their screens, you ask? What about their snacks, you ask? Who knew, if given the opportunity to JUST PLAY WITHOUT ADULT INTERVENTION, kids of 2017 could act like children of the ’80’s. Hallelujah!
This happy realization made me take note that my kids are at an age where they don’t NEED me to monitor them every moment of every day. For 7 years now, I have been in the trenches of having an infant nearby that NEEDED me. It feels odd. It feels freeing. It feels like I’m doing something wrong. All that said, it feels as it should feel and I’m happy to learn how to read again. Wish me luck as I set a goal of finishing a book in under 2 years 😉
What book? Anything good?
I’m currently reading a Karen Kingsbury book. Most of my “reading” is done through audio books, so actually SITTING and READING words {without interruption or falling asleep} is unheard of!! 🙂
THIS. Love it. I let my daughter (age 2) play alone while I do other things, and OMG she’s just fine. She talks and plays with her toys and has whole conversations with them. It’s adorable!
Right?? Not only is she FINE, and it’s ADORABLE, but our kids are better off for it {once we remove our mommy guilt!}. We are fostering independence and raising our littles ones to be self-sufficient and imaginative. Win/ win RIGHT?? 🙂
I’m glad you were able to find some time for yourself!! Reading is a great escape.
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It certainly is! Giving myself a little “brain break” allowed me to come back refreshed and ready to play! It was awesome… And definitely something I’ll be doing again soon.
Good for you for finishing that book! You deserve some time to yourself, and now is the perfect time for just that.
Thanks! Parents DO deserve time to ourselves, and I’m learning not to feel so guilty about it when I take it!
It’s so true. My parents didn’t watch our every move when I was younger. So many moms I know don’t just let their kids at that age figure things out on their own or self-entertain. I was guilty of it plenty.
You’re absolutely right that our parents gave us breathing room… And we turned out fine (mostly!) 🙂
I love it. At least I know I’m not the only one that continues doing what I’m doing while they’re arguing or out of sight.
You are definitely NOT alone!