Sometimes parenting seems very passive. Start the movie. Drop them off. Pick them up. Cheer from the sidelines.
This summer has been super busy and some of it was just a matter of getting them there.
Soccer camp.
Art class.
Swim lessons.
But active parenting is a lot more than just being in the right place at the right time isn’t it?
I’m learning that my kids care about whether I care. Whether I care enough to get down and dirty.
To jump in the pool with them.
Their faces light up and screams of delight echo through the building:
“Mom, you’re in the water with us!?”
Yes. I’m in the water with you.
Wet hair, make-up-less face, and post-surgery body. I’m in the water with you and it’s fun.
I’m learning that the best parenting doesn’t take more money. Or more activities or more classes. It just takes the willingness to get your hair wet.
Shana D says
So very true! Taking the time out even for what some may view as the simplest things yet they mean the world to the kiddos.
Love that last picture of you and little man, you guys have matching smiles of pure joy!
AngEngland says
My husband snapped it during swim lessons and I love it. love, love, love
Erica Mueller says
Mine is the same way. He loves when I’m not just watching him play, but playing WITH him. It makes such a difference!
AngEngland says
That’s it exactly. It’s not enough to “mommy watch me” while I lounge in the chair. They want ME. I’m learning.
Shannon says
Love this post, Love this reminder, Love the pic in the pool!
Guess where we are headed right now……
AngEngland says
What fabulous timing then!
Kim Tracy Prince says
My kids do the same thing when I get in the pool with them. Like it’s a gift. I love that look on their faces!
Jendi says
And they don’t care if all I do is walk around the pool – cause sometimes I’m in, but I don’t want to get my hair wet. 🙂 It’s crazy, but they love me just as I am – probably more than I do.
Alaina Frederick says
Oh yes! In my boys eyes I’m perfect the way I am no matter how much I dislike my jiggle to my waggle at the moment.
Alaina Frederick says
So so true!!! We started a mock trail of homeschooling last week and I noticed how excited they were to be doing activities with me rather then just in the same zip code. Being there on the side lines is important but actively squirting them with garden hose is so much more fun!
AngEngland says
That’s one of my favorite parts about homeschooling is being THERE for their activities.
Jen @ BigBinder says
Yes yes yes!! We are kind of experimenting this summer with less activities (of the paid kind) and more just being at home. My son THANKED me for playing Battleship with him yesterday. I don’t recall him ever thanking me for taking him to karate. Love this, I’m sharing with my readers on FB!
AngEngland says
That is so sweet! I love that.
Kim says
Very good point. I think we get caught up in things and forget this. Thanks for the reminder.
AngEngland says
It is really easy to get busy.
Gina B says
Ha, another benefit to being a parent of a special needs child – you’re never far from them! I get in the pool, even when I DON’T want to. The upside is not just the time with my kids, but I’ve learned to relax a whole lot and have more fun nowadays than back in my 20s and 30s.
AngEngland says
What an interesting point that I never considered. There’s a balance right between trying to encourage more independence and being available.
Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting says
Love this! xo
AngEngland says
Thanks! 🙂
Selena says
LOVE to get in the mix with the teens: water balloons, nerf attacks or outside work. Definitely worth it! Great reminder that sometimes, we just have to jump in.
AngEngland says
I love that. I think intentional parenting is great and I have to keep reminding myself to be THERE. You know what I mean?
ally says
Agreed, I gave up all hopes of stunning summer looks when someone said, “Mom! Jump in with us!”. The call of a 5 year old is far more compelling than that of my hair guy. Lovely.
AngEngland says
That’s exactly right. The call of an any-year-old is compelling indeed.
Danielle Smith says
This? Is glorious. Your smile, his smile… it is what makes every single parenting moment worth it. Yes, they want spectators. But they won’t always want participants – I love the reminder to snatch those opportunities while we can. Perfection, my friend.
AngEngland says
I totally teared up when I saw this photo my husband had snapped. So perfect.
Angel says
I agree…not only do my kids love that I do things with them but so do my nieces and nephews. There are 20 kids in my family and they all love coming to Aunt Angel’s house because she does stuff with us. They are only small for a moment….blink and you’ll miss it.
AngEngland says
That’s awesome! We have 7 cousins in my family right now but only two of us are married. Six of my siblings still have yet to be married. 🙂
Jennifer says
Just imagine the number of things and amount of time we would share with our children if, instead of sending them off, we home schooled them (as I’m sure, many of us do :)….13 years of learning alongside our children :).
AngEngland says
One of the things I love about homeschooling. 🙂 The cluttered house not so much but it’s pretty inevitable some days.
Alli says
Beautiful!
AngEngland says
Thank you, honey. 🙂
Annie @ Mama Dweeb says
oh yes, this is such a lovely post and so very true! Often my kids are wanting me to play with them. And you know what? I will always answer those requests with a YES. Cause someday, they will ask me to step back.
AngEngland says
So true. Soon enough will come the day when they ask “Thanks for the ride mom but you aren’t STAYING are you?” hehehehe I have to enjoy the time when they think a shark attack by their mom is still funny.
Lorette Lavine says
I can tell you that this is true and remains true even as a grandmother…you need to get your hair wet or at least a little damp…I am so happy that I did get my hair wet with my own kids and am still able to do this with my granddaughter.