I watch them navigate through their choices and begin an activity.
Then I just stay.
Their initial reaction is “Uhhh, aren’t you gonna go be busy now?, “What are you still doing here?, “Wait ― are you just paying attention to me?”
Engagement and play is important.
But do you ever think that our children may just need our wholehearted presence?
Not the helicopter-mom type. That’s not what I mean.
Just the I am here, I am glad you are you, I love being here more than anything else in the world right now type.
WHEN I LINGER, THEY KNOW THIS.
Even if it’s just for 10 minutes, my lingering is a gift to me, not just them.
When I linger, I am available emotionally and physically. Unconditionally.
It does not require me to do anything, in fact it requires me to do exactly nothing.
Nothing else on my list. Just linger.
Nothing in my hand, nothing on my lap, nothing on my mind.
I occasionally get a glance and a wink from the oldest. And the little brings me a Lego head, smiles and goes back to play.
Their eyes are full of wonder, their mannerisms, their little quirks, it all changes so quickly. Look into their eyes. Revel in those fleeting moments.
I am not hurrying off to do more important work…
I am lingering.
Read MORE posts from our 10 Days of Connecting With Your Child Series {HERE}
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