This post on Dating Your Kids was written by Kelley Crowe, originally published on her own blog, The Best Crowe’s Nest. Kelley is a SAHM and blogger to two kids and this post is about her experience juggling one-on-one time with each of her two kids on their own and how important those moments truly are.
Being a SAHM has it’s up’s and down’s. I love spending time with my kids everyday. I can’t imagine not having them home with me right now during their first and most precious years of their lives. But, having two kids at home with me makes one-on-one time hard.
I try to take both kids on dates every now and then (although, admittedly I wish it happened a lot more often!) Each child has their own favorite thing to do so I try to really stick to doing something they love. Landyn loves going to the movies. He always gets so psyched when I surprise him with a trip either with a friend or alone and it’s so fun to hear his excitement to spend time with me – it makes both of our days!
Now that he’s five and turning into quite the social butterfly, but he’s already more excited to see his friends than me. I still like to cherish some of those special comments he makes, which as he grows older seem to be fewer and farther between. Several months ago, I still cherish a sweet moment we had after one of our special date nights out.
I told him I loved him and he replied;
Mommy? When I go to college, I’m going to miss you, daddy, and sissy.
Seriously!? He’s FIVE, but he’s thinking about going to COLLEGE!? He is literally growing up right before my eyes. College!? (We can thank Monsters University for that one!)
This one comment though made me realize how important these moments are. I feel like life passes by so quickly. Each day gone before we blink. But, they aren’t going to be this little forever. They aren’t going to want to go on dates to dinner and a movie with me forever. I need to soak this up now while I still can.
Being a mom is hard. It’s not easy and there are some days I want to lock myself in the bathroom for just five minutes of peace. But, being a mom is my favorite job; the best part of my life. Hearing my little man tell me how much he loves me is a reminder that God put motherhood in my life for a reason.
It may be a reason that is sometimes tainted when I question my abilities as a mom, but my life has a greater purpose with these two little angels than I might ever understand.
Take your kids out on a date. You need that time with them and they need that time with you. It doesn’t have to be to a movie. Take them on a walk in the park (that’s free!) or for a ride on the light rail one afternoon.
We all need to take a break from life and enjoy these moments. I know for us, they are few and far between at only the young age that he is. Soon, Kindergarten will be starting and that’s the beginning of the rest of his life.. without me. He’ll be with his teachers and friends for more hours in the day than he will be at home with me.
Enjoy these moments.
Kelley is the founder of The Best Crowe’s Nest (recently rebranded from Forever’s Like a Dream.) Born and raised in New England, she now resides in the suburbs of Charlotte, NC with her husband Kyle, two cuties Landyn & Lavery, and their dogs Brady & Daisy. Learn more at TheBestCrowesNest.com and join her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
Thanks for sharing!