When it comes to happy parenting, it is important to appreciate the little moments. Of course, there are many big happy parenting moments: first steps, first time on a bike, and so on, but what really adds up and makes every day special are the little moments, the times they throw their arms around you for no reason, or reach out to take you hand while you walk beside them, because that’s just what makes them happy and comfortable in that moment.
Sometimes, the little moments happen when they aren’t even there.
Today, while picking up the house a little bit, I noticed that there are basketballs all over my house. There is one in my office, there is one in my bedroom, there is one in the kitchen, and so on. It would be easy to get upset at my six year old for leaving basketballs everywhere, but instead, I remembered how each one ended up there.
As it turns out, my kiddo loves basketball right now. He plays with the hoop out back. He bounces the ball on the basement floor. He asks to play knockout, to play horse, and to have dribbling contests constantly. And, that, is why there are basketballs all over the house.
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While my kids are otherwise occupied, I often try and get a little bit of stuff done. That’s the only way to keep your work at home, freelance writing business afloat. So, when my kiddo is out playing basketball, chances are that I’m in my office writing up some client project, or in my bedroom folding laundry, or maybe in the kitchen making dinner. And, that is where he comes, looking for his dad, with a basketball under arm.
Sometimes, when he asks for basketball with dad, I can hop right up and say yes. Other times, I need him to wait for me to finish, or maybe sometimes we can’t do it then at all. Those times, the ball gets dropped and he either waits, or maybe plays alongside dad. It’s his way of hanging out and spending time, when I can’t.
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Of course, later, we’ll spend time together and there will be smiles and giggles and fun. But, the next day, as I go about my activities, and I find basketballs everywhere, I don’t see a mess, I see my son looking to find his dad.
Happy parenting.