As I get older one thing always worries me, what will happen when I am gone? Being over 50, with 4 little ones under 5, it has been a real concern.

The more I thought on this the more I realized that my thinking was askew. Whilst everyone is rightly concerned with the reality of how their family could continue without them, the real concern now should be, how can I enjoy every day with them?

Children are often just taken for granted. There are always more important things going on. A child, particularly a young child, always wants to talk, ask questions, communicate. How often have you said 'just a minute dear', or 'hang on let me finish this'. What ever you are doing, generally speaking will still be there in five or ten minutes. It doesn't hurt to stop or pause what you are doing, listen to what your child is saying, or watch what they are doing, or look at what they have drawn, written or built; then answering or commenting. You can then pick up again and continue - or join in with them.

Because our children are with us 24/7 we can fall into the trap of taking them for granted. They become another individual in the house, and if you are busy, another harassment, another disruption. However, if you can find the moment to communicate, find the moment to share with your child, the longer term benefits are great, your child feels wanted and loved. If you constantly push them aside then they will probably react by getting louder, more demanding and harder to placate. What would have been a five to ten minute interruption becomes a day long battle.

As parents we owe it our children to be a part of their lives, not they a part of our lives. We need to treat each moment as precious. I wonder how many milestones have been missed because we have been 'too busy'. I once heard a dad say, 'oh, he is walking'. The mother's reply, 'he has been walking for a week now dear'.

I don't want to miss any of these milestones. The feeling as a parent when your child accomplishes something new is special, and every day brings a new accomplishment, so every day is special.

What does it take to be a parent? The understanding that your child is an emerging adult that you have taken under your wing. They have a right to your time. Enjoy each and every day, each and every moment of your child's life, you just never know!

Learn more about this author, Les Scammell.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about What it takes to be a parent?
We want to hear your view. Write now!