“In a minute”, ‘I’m coming”, “Just let me finish this email / phone call / Powerpoint” … sound familiar? With more of us choosing to stay in work after we have children, many families now have two working parents at home. Let’s not feel guilty about this, as we all know that working can bring us and our families great benefits — financial independence, career development and (as a recent study suggested), better mental health for working mothers.
In term-time and other busier times, with the help and support of a reliable childcare professional, families with working parents tick along very nicely. However, in our increasingly busy lives we sometimes forget the messages that we send our children – “In a minute” becomes an hour or two, and we forget to “make a moment” for our children.
Last week, our friends at the Family and Parenting Institute ran their annual Parents’ Week, encouraging us all to “Make a Moment.” The theme was celebrating those moments that make being a child and parent so special.
With both parents working, time is precious and the to-do list stretches ever longer. Having a nanny or childcarer can be a lifesaver in these circumstances – meals for the weekend are prepared in advance and the childrens’ chores dealt with. But, to truly be there for our children, we need to step back from the daily juggle and just be. There is nothing that children like and appreciate more than spending time with us.
If you and your partner are both working full time this week, and the children are in activity camps or being looked after by a nanny or other childcarer, make sure that you carve out some time. Why not get back a little early and spend an evening on your child’s favourite activities? Look at a book together, do some simple crafting or puzzles with your daughter, or sort out your son’s Match Attax with him. Remember, it’s not about expensive treats or the latest gadgets — it’s the simple stuff that children will remember and love.
Enjoy half term!
How Can We All Make a Moment in Half Term?
This half term, my husband and I will be juggling working from home and trying to have each mealtime with the children, as well as indulging their current favourite hobbies - football chat will play a large part, as will cutting and sticking!
