Children, at least when they have a stable family and hot dinner on the table as soon as they come back from school, do not think much about trivial things like clean clothes and socks ready for the next day. They take it for granted. Little things like dirty clothes disappearing and fresh, ironed ones appearing in the drawers give sense of order, stability and sense.
When my husband was taking our children to school today, they did not even wave to him. They just did not feel they had to, as it always happened that one of us was able to take them to school. They have never had to worry about being picked up by a friend of mine or wait for hours to be brought home.
Things were different with a friend of my son’s. Since she could never rely on being picked up on time, she made sure she was on her best behaviour at all times when at our place and she waved happily “goodbye” in appreciation when we dropped her off to school.. She gladly had dinner with my family, did her homework and waited patiently to be picked up in the evening. Since I asked her some school related matter, she told me all about her reading scheme and hopes for the future.
Just a ten minute conversation made a difference. She felt that there was somebody prepared to listen and to value her opinion. She did not have to be stressed, she was just telling me about her day at school, enjoying the attention and conversation.
My own children often moan that they do not have a particular gadget, as I refuse to buy any rubbish that appears in the shop. As far as I can see, children are bombarded with films, video games, consoles, DS and anything new that comes up. Most of the time children are placed in front of the TV, that is used as a substitute for a child-minder. Toddlers as young as 2 are sat in front of the screen entertained by TV. People cannot be bothered to play with them, to read to them and share quality time together.
Children do not need all the toys in the world. They do need, however, to be shown a bit of interest in their affairs and appreciation. How are they supposed to become happy, confident adults, if their parents don’t have time for them?
By: Joanna Foss
About the Author:
Joanna Foss is a married mother of two, who graduated from the Technical University of Lodz (Poland) in Technical Physics. She works online from home running two companies: renting luxury motorhomes (motorhome hire Essex), writing, offering hosting and running various blogs. Visit her websites: http://www.estpuk.com – http://www.joannafoss.com