Kids just want our time and attention

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In: Children, Parenting

I shared this on Facebook the other day, because it really touched me. I cried as I read it, because I think it hit a little close to home. I am trying to be in the moment more with my son, instead of telling him I’m busy. Obviously there are times when it really is true. But of all my priorities, my son his my top priority.

Kids truly don’t care what we buy them or give them… the best gifts we give our children are the gift of our time and attention.

I don’t know who wrote this and it doesn’t seem to have a title, but maybe the words will touch you like it did me.

I stopped to watch my little one 
busy playing in his room.
In one hand was a plastic phone; 
in the other a deflated balloon.
I listened as he was saying 
to his make believe little friend
And I’ll never forget the words he said, 
even though it was pretend.
He said, “Teddy’s in the corner 
cuz he’s not been very good.
He didn’t listen to a word I said 
or do the things he should.”
In the corner I saw his teddy bear 
all dressed in a bow and brown fur.
It was obvious he’d been put there 
to sit all alone for sure.
My son continued his “conversation,” 
as I sat down on the floor.
He said, “I’m all fed up I just don’t know 
what to do with him anymore?
He whines whenever I have to work 
and wants to play games, too;
He never lets me do the things 
that I just have to do?
He tries to help me with the dishes, 
but his arms just cannot reach
And he doesn’t know how to fold the towels 
and I don’t have the time to teach.
I have a lot of work to do 
and a big house to keep clean.
I don’t have the time to sit and play- 
don’t you know what I mean?”
And that day I thought a lot 
about making some changes in my life;
As I listened to his innocent 
words that cut me like a knife.
I hadn’t been paying enough attention 
to what I hold most dear.
I’d been caught up in responsibilities 
that increased throughout the year.
But now my attitude has changed, 
because, in my heart, I realize
I’ve seen the world in a different light 
through my little darling’s eyes.
So, let the cobwebs have the corners 
and the dust bunnies rule the floor,
I’m not going to worry 
about keeping up with them anymore.
I’m going to fill the house with memories 
of a child and his mother
For God grants us Only One Childhood, and we will never get another.
~Author Unknown

34 Comments

  1. That’s beautiful, and very true.

  2. It’s good to have that special time. It tells them that you care.

  3. 🙁 That made me cry too. 🙁

    I know I have heard “my words” out of my kids mouth too … and realized my mistakes and shortcomings.

  10. I love this. It is exactly the reason why I have planned this 50 night cross country camping adventure just the boys and I this summer. Soon they will be gone and I want to make as many memories as I can before that time comes.

  11. This is so sad but true and I don’t want to be the mom. I’m trying to organize my life more so I can just be mommy – not the cook, the blogger, the wahm and the wife.

  17. Great poem. I try to spend time with my kids and always let them know I love them.

  20. That made me cry 🙁 Donna, that is me right now…no time for my boys. This broke my heart, I feel like it’s a wake up call.

    1. Author

      Penelope, that’s what I thought when I read it. I’m guilty of telling my son “I’m busy”, a lot lately. I’m not proud of it, but it is what it is. We had a Mommy & son date, today. I’m working on spending more time with my son, and saying, “Not right now, I’m busy”, less.

  21. Definitely something to remind us of what is most important, why we work in the first place.

  24. yeah, I remember the times my mom took me shopping when school let out early. We would grab lunch at a counter in the department store. It is one of my best memories of my childhood. And I think the funny thing is, to her it wasn’t that big of a deal, but to me it was HUGE.

  25. This was a wake up call for me too. Thanks for sharing.

  26. Great poem! I always try to make the effort to be in the moment with both my girls. However, there are those moments when it can be difficult, especially when I just need a moment to myself.

  28. And that’s why I never went back to work or even started blogging while the kids were at home. I didn’t want to miss a second of it!

  30. Thank you for sharing this poem! It is beautiful and so true. We all have to work to make money and it makes us all so busy. I too am guilty of being too busy and not taking the time to play. I am going to remember this poem and make sure to play more!

  32. What a beautiful poem and so very true! I often wish there were more hours in the day.

  33. Wow! This is such a great, touching, and eye opening post.

    Thank you for this!

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