Children Under Foot!?

Is it time to admit that having children home all the time – might not be what we thought it would be?

Joannie Debrito writes, “Working from home comes with its own set of challenges. It’s important to have a quiet space where you can work, minimize distractions, set a routine, and focus on your goals for the day. Working from home with kids can add a new dynamic to your job. When our kids are on extended breaks from school and are sharing the same space, distractions can come more easily which can impact our productiveness.”
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When I was growing up, the third of four children, I didn’t think anything of it, but later wonder how my Mom put up with us! Four children born in a span of 5-6 years!

The first two were pretty tame. But my younger sister and I were brats! Do you have any brats at home? I mean, do you have children who pick on a sibling ...just to satisfy their personal entertainment-plan?

Much later, as an adult, I learned from my parents that Mom experienced a lot of depression as a young mother. That caught me by surprise because in my heart, she was God’s gift of grace to me! Unwavering in her love! I was oblivious, as most children living in a self- centered world, to the moods of others.

Let me say to you who are struggling with this unplanned “family time” during the pandemic, if you lose your patience for lack of quiet, don’t fret that you ruin your child if you “blow a valve.” Children are tremendously resilient because they have in innate love for a Mother that is close to impossible of shattering. Your children are geared to see the best in us; the best in you!

You can discipline and even scold a child – as long as your child knows that you love them! And there are plenty of ways for you to communicate your love. Take advantage of bedtime moments to sing a song, play a simple game, tell a story and pray. The times you cuddle and affirm your child far outweigh any damage a burst of temper might create. Affirm your love and remind your child that you wouldn’t trade them for all the king’s gold!

[Tomorrow I will follow this up with some tips to help you schedule your time with your children that can offer you time for yourself or your work, if you’re now working at home.]
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– Pastor Kevin Lantz