I was reminded this week of the importance of being there in the momentwith your children when I was at my daughters netball game and a chap well dressed in a business suit sat near me and proceeded to scribble over a document. Here I was watching every move on the court, barracking when she shot a goal or got an intercept. I knew on the way home we would relive aspects of the game and be asked what was her best play and for that I had to be truly there living the moments with her.
About 8 years ago I organised a men and boys series of nights where, with the help of 2 male social workers, we explored men and parenting. Steve, one of the social workers who worked with youth, gangs and domestic violence issues, made a statement on the second night that men are increasingly spending smaller amounts of time with children which is having profound effects on them. Children are losing the role models [and dad’s love] they so desperately seek. I sought advice for myself that night and Steve’s words still ring true for me: make the most of the moments you have with your children by being there to share the joys and sadnesses and being able to talk about their lives – not yours.
I so wanted to go over to the dad wrapped up in his work and say put it away and live these moments so that you can really enjoy their lives – it makes a difference – the whistle blew, game over. Tori and I were off to the car for the debrief – a loss on the court but a great night ahead.
ayy dad
nice thingo about my game, i was dissapointed that we lost, but i thought that it was a good game in the end, and i do like discussing the game with you [or mum] afterwards, on the way home. You should have got a picture of me lol that would have been gud =]
that man should have watched his daughter play
anyways
its gonna b weird with that guy around but anyways
nice blog,keep it up
xoxoxo
tori