Let’s be real: my kids don’t always take the spotlight. Sure, they’re the stars of my life, but sometimes, I’m in the middle of whipping up dinner and can’t just drop everything to help my son untie his shoelaces—especially when he’s the one who decided to put them on himself for fun. There are times when I’m folding laundry, and I ask my daughter to hold on just a few minutes before I join her for a game of Toddler Tag. And yes, there have been moments when I’m on the phone, wrapping up a conversation, while my little ones wait for their snack.
My kids are absolutely two of the most cherished people in my world. They’re bright, funny, and just a tad sassy, much like their mom. Even at their young ages, I strive to teach them essential values: manners, forgiveness, kindness, and yes, a bit of patience too.
Life is filled with waiting, whether it’s for a bus, a meal at your favorite diner, or even the next episode of Bob’s Burgers to load while you enjoy a secret sundae in the dark. It’s an unavoidable part of adulthood, and I believe it’s important for my children to learn this early on.
Of course, there are moments when their needs demand immediate attention: a loud crash followed by tears, a sudden bout of nausea, or those heated battles that erupt from their shared bedroom. But there are also times when I choose to finish up a task before jumping in to play. I might help my son with a shoe before returning to grate cheese or set the laundry aside to dance with them to the Curious George theme song.
But let’s be clear: I don’t do it every time. I don’t want my kids to think they’re the center of the universe. They are incredibly special, but part of my job as a parent is to help them become respectful, capable, and successful individuals. For that to happen, they need to learn patience and the art of waiting. They should be able to entertain their own thoughts until I can attend to them fully.
My kids don’t always take precedence, and one day, I hope they’ll appreciate that. If not, I guess I’ll just have to budget for their therapy!
If you’re interested in more parenting insights, you can check out our other blog posts, like those on terms and conditions. Also, for those exploring the journey of home insemination, Make a Mom has some fantastic resources. And for a deeper understanding of the IVF process, this guide is an excellent starting point!