Full-time working moms have very tight and busy schedules; many days it is very hard to make the time necessary to spend with our kids.
As a mother of two boys (a toddler and a third grader), I find it very difficult to help both of my kids with what they need (and kids are very needy), whether it’s help with homework or other school projects or sitting on the floor playing Legos or cards. Sometimes—much of the time—it’s hard to keep up with my work, house duties and being a parent.
So, how do we know if we’re doing it right?
Well, if you’re doing the best you can then that’s okay. Often parents feel guilty about the limited time they spend with their children, but the truth is, a child sees everything. You may not know or realize this, but they are paying attention to every single thing you do for them and for others! Yes, they’re sneaky like that.
What matters to our children is what they see us do for them on a daily basis. If you spent two hours playing with them in the backyard one day in a two-week period, they will most likely remember that day for a while but may forget it pretty soon. But I bet they’ll always remember how you get them ready for school or the babysitter every morning, make breakfast, help with homework, cook dinner, give them a bath, read to them, tuck them into bed and go to school activities—even if you can’t stay long, because you have to go back to work.
Don’t forget the saying, “It’s the little things that matter the most.”
Your kids see that you’re the one staying up all night when they’re ill, running to doctor’s appointments and giving them medicine that they will most likely spit out—and you can’t blame them; you know how gross cough syrup tastes—yuck! In their eyes you’re the best parent they could ever ask for, the one who comforts them when they are sad, keeps them safe and healthy and loves them unconditionally.
So, are you still wondering if you’re good at this parenting thing?
Ask your child why do they love you? You’ll be surprised by the amazing answers you’ll get, and you’ll probably get a little teary-eyed as well. If that’s the case, I’d say you nailed it!
This post was contributed by Marcela Mendez, Au Pair in America staff member and like all loving mothers, a superstar mom.
