Slowing down

Anna's been really sick all week, so we've had a rough time. She didn't sleep much this week (and so I didn't sleep much either), and had a really high fever, sore throat, and was just miserable most of the time.


It's always a good reminder to just slow down and enjoy your kids! Since Anna's been sick we've done lots of cuddling (something she's generally too "busy" to do!), lots of reading together, and lots of "Mommy, play with toys."

And it's occurred to me, why is it so hard for us moms to just get down on the floor with our kids and play? Are all the other things I "have" to do or most likely want to do really so important?

This morning I took the time and just sat down with all three of them and played. It's especially important for the boys because it seems to be a great way to bond and promote attachment. Today little Biniam (who is as far as I can tell not as attached so far as his brother) made lots of great, smiling eye contact with me, and fully initiated a little game with me! He would shake this toy that makes a lot of noise, looking into my eyes and smiling/laughing the whole time. Then he would hand it to me. I would shake for awhile, and hand it back to him. It was great!

So one of my goals now is to spend good solid time every day on the floor with my kids. Not that I never do that now, but certainly not as much as I should. And it's not only good for them, it's good for me too!