Private Time.

Amanda on July 20th, 2008

My son, who is 4, is learning about “private time”. Private time can be time spent alone, or with another person, but just you, no tag-alongs. He is discovering the power of this time and the necessity of it as well. I don’t know if it is because he can sense the baby’s due date is nearing, or our time is getting busier, probably both. But everyday Dylan asks for some private time with just me or just dad. He needs some time to be near us, just him. Molly is not allowed and this time is respected. Once he just wanted to sit together on the couch, no talking, just sitting and snuggling. Once he wanted to sit on the couch alone. The other day he wanted to have a “serious” conversation, which consisted of him making absolutely no sense at all using big nonsense words and an adult sounding tone of voice. Today he wanted his dad to play legos with him while he sat on his lap.

Private time usually doesn’t last long, about 5-10 minutes, is all his little attention span can handle. But I realized that during this special noted time Dylan is recharged and I feel connected to him as well.

Don’t we all need “private time”? It really is such a simple time, time alone for you, time alone with just your kid, time alone with just your husband, time alone with God.

It’s just so simple. Why do I always avoid it? (”I don’t have the time”, “my schedule just doesn’t allow it”) Why do I try to make it harder than it is? (”I don’t have a babysitter”, “there’s nothing to do”, “it takes too long”) In this moment it seems crazy to make excuses for something so simple and so necessary.

The wisdom of a 4 year old.

Discuss (5)

Diana at 7:34am July 21

God’s been revealing to me, that for His sake, in the lives of His children (he’s loaned to me) that I must strive to be an unhurried mom. It’s a daily decision and turning over to Him that this ever comes about…for His glory.

My 5 year old daughter yesterday told me that I didn’t love her–and reflecting on the day, I didn’t take that short time, until that point, to connect with her. I love the honesty of my kids, to truly humble me when I think I’ve got it all under control. Which really means that I am not walking with Jesus as my guide. I am trying to be the guide.

Amanda B at 7:30am August 14

Feeling overwhelmed is definetly normal and understandable. Having a baby plus going back to work along with your same responsibilities is ALOT! We had to make a decision on how we were going to juggle all of these things when our first child came along. My husband and I talked about the finances, our home, how we wanted our family to function, and lastly the youth ministry. It took us awhile to get adjusted, we both took on new responsibilities. Mainly adjusted our lifestyle (didn’t go out to eat as much, don’t get to workout as much as we’d like, etc) Giving fully of yourself to your child will be the most rewarding thing you have ever experienced. We don’t have any family around to help with our children but if you do..totally ask for help. Then remember where you fall short God’s grace is always there to cover you. It is so much fun having all these different “hats” to wear but it is really hard but I have learned that no matter what my family is the single most important thing and I am accountable for how I raise my children. Everytime when it looks like we are going to be short on finances, God always blesses us with a way to make it and have more!Ps.31:15 says My times are in your hands! Let God take control of your schedule and he will help you get things done…and still have his peace :) .