Be a Better Parent Challenge

I was visiting one of my favorite blogs Motherhood Uncensored and Kristen is doing a wonderful thing. She is starting a 30 day challenge to becoming a better parent. You know me. I can't resist a challenge and one that makes me a better Mommy.I am so in. So, I have decided to follow along every day and post Kristen's challenge of the day. Awesome right? I know you want to give it a go.

Today's challenge; Be present for my kids
You know,actually listen to what they are saying. Many times, we get so engaged in trying to get the task at hand done that when our kids come up to us and start reciting their very long and somewhat drawn out stories or ask us the same question 2000 times, we have learned to tune them out. Much like our husband's do to us.  I like to think of it as a survival mechanism but really, how would you feel if you were talking and your listener was shaking their head saying "uh huh" but heard absolutely nothing you had said? I don't know about you, but I, for one, would feel hurt, unloved,and unappreciated. Three things that I NEVER want to be responsible for making my kids feel. There are enough assholes in the world that they will encounter, I don't want to be one of them. The challenge for today...be present. Listen to what they say, consider their thoughts, and maybe the motives behind the actions. Oh yeah, and don't forget to take their age into consideration. I often forget that my kids are only 3 and 5, and really at that age, their behaviors are totally appropriate. It is I who is holding them to an impossible standard. Shame on me. Today, I take a really deep breath, I calm down and I listen to what the little mouths are saying....even if it is a realllly , reallllly long ass story. Good luck ladies. I hope you will join me. I think this will make us all better Mommies.