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I was a bit surprised by this article about a mom who openly admits she's bored with her children. If there was such a thing as a nurture gene, after reading this article, it's obvious that this mom lacks one and is solely focused on herself and her needs. It seems she missed the whole point of being a mom and treats her children according to her mood, or more accurately, her boredom level. No play dates or park outings for her. No board games or Gymboree. Those activities don't entertain and stimulate her. Since when is being a mom all about the mom?
Many times I feel I lack the nurture gene, and I admit I feel like this woman. Bored of playing with toys and dolls, aggravated by the never ending kiddie board game, and frustrated by driving my kids all over town. But during these times I remind myself, it's not about me. It's about them. It's about molding the little minds and hearts entrusted to me and training them up in the way they should go. How can I possible do that if I don't spend time with them in their world?
Mom's don't have to give up their entire lives for their children, but they do have to meet their needs and nurture them. That's part of being a mom and the silent oath we took when we brought our children into the world. So I read books and watch Barbie movies. I take them to play dates and the park. I sit through sports and theatre practices. And they understand when mom can't be there. I'm not a slave to my children's schedule, but if given a choice to meet a friend at a coffee shop or go on a field trip, I'd choose the field trip every time. Because being a mom means sometimes our needs take a back seat.
Even though I try to be there for my children, this article was convicting for me. It made me want to spend more time playing with my kids and less time doing "stuff". And even though there's only about a month left of the summer, I'm going to try and play with my children at the pool, not just sit and watch them swim while I read. I'm going to pull out the board games and get down on my hands and knees. I'm going to sit and color or play Polly Pockets because this life isn't just about what I can get out of it, it's what I can give to others, starting with my children.
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