C works VERY hard during the week. Last week was especially challenging because he was having to play catch up from our lovely lil vaca! There were THREE days in a row that that he was not able to spend five min. with the boys! Every time he would "try," they would already be back asleep. I was really struggling with the fact that work was coming before family bonding.
I grew up with a father who thought that by working so hard and providing for his family meant he was showing us his love, that was far from the case. We desperately needed him I needed his love and attention. I needed him to get down on the floor and play with me. It is such an old school way of "parenting." As hard as it was, I needed to bring this concern to C's attention. I need to be an advocate for my sons, who need their father NOW, EVERYDAY, not just when they are able to play catch and throw a football around "like what C intended."
No, they most likely will not remember these moments of blowing raspberries together, tickling on the floor, playing patty cake, or ride the pony on my knee, but what they are doing is building trust, building a foundation of a loving relationship. Quality time is so crucial in EVERY period of life. Even infants need to know their parents love them and are PROUD of all their "tiny" accomplishments, like picking up a piece of rice with their pincer grasp for the first time or 100th time.
What happened when I brought this up? A little hesitation a little frustration, yes, but ultimately, a father more open to getting on his knees and playing with his sons!
High Five anyone???
