Image: Flickr/Angel Kittiyachavalit

I ran across an interesting article yesterday while waiting in the orthodontist’s office. I can’t remember which magazine it was in, nor can I remember the name of the article (…many apologies, article writer getting no credit for your grand idea…) but I can remember what it said. And I thought it was worth repeating.

It was talking about one simple way to refresh your parenting. It suggested spending one hour doing nothing but simply being with your child. I know that doesn’t sound like a radical idea to some of you – especially those of you who stay home with little ones – but every now and again, it’s good to revisit those common sense notions and remember why they have merit.

As the author stated, when you give your kids your undivided and agenda free attention, they don’t need to seek it in annoying ways so much. I don’t know about you, but there have been times when all I want is 20 minutes to myself with a magazine and I can’t even find the time to rip out those irritating postcard advertisements before I’m interrupted by a chorus of children needing one thing or another.

I know you’re busy – we all are. But you had these kids for a reason, right? Take an hour – heck, make it 30 minutes – set your timer, and just BE with them. No strings, no teachable moments, nothing. Just you. And them. I think you’ll find that the more you do this, the less you’ll have to worry about.