The Discipline of Playing with your Children

Texts, emails, facebook - any technology that forces us to leave our present task or company - has invaded the family life, hasn't it? I know my mind is often very divided as I put together a puzzle with my son with one hand and answer a text in another. Not fully present. The practice of "presence" is gone. And I know Robby is aware; he knows and even asks me to stop texting and help him out, read to him, play with him.

Does anyone have this problem, or is it just me? I have forgotten how to just play with my son. To just Be.

Recently I have decided that I will play for some set uninterrupted increments with Robby (and they end up going longer). I will not answer my phone in anyway (b/c I can get everything on it) and I will be a mom. He is only this sweet, malleable age once. I want to simplify my time and my life in my job of mothering.

So - I apologize to you now, dear friends. If I am not as quick to answer my call or any other ping - I am practicing "presence."

And if you really need me, you'll just come on over and join my family. You are quite welcome.

(Robby wanted to wear his goggles to the park...)