A few weeks ago, Justin and I decided that we were going to take the girls’ on individual outings. Since Jase came into the picture, we’ve really missed out on that one-on-one time with them. Make no mistake–they have been absolutely wonderful with Jase. I think it’s more us missing them than them missing us!
So on Monday night, Justin and Kyndall went to the Cookie Company. They ate huge cookies, drank Icee’s and walked around the mall.
Libby and I went to Zen-Beri, ate huge tubs of yogurt with all the extras, and talked for thirty minutes straight. Talking is kind of Libby’s thing.
Papaw and Nana kept Jase.
Then, Tuesday night, we switched. Justin and Libby went for dinner at Fulin’s. Kyndall and I went to Chongwah Express (Chinese food) and followed that up with a pretzel from Auntie Anne’s. Gra-Gra kept Jase.
This is definitely not something we will be able to do every week, or even every month. But I do see great value in it. I think it’s so important to keep the lines of communication open with your children, and when you have more than one child, that can be challenging. Too often, Libby will be in the middle of a story and Kyndall will interrupt, or Jase will start fussing. I want them to know that what they have to tell me is important. I want us to be the ones they talk to when they have issues, not another kid who might give them shady advice.
When Jase was first born, I took a few minutes (5-10) the first few nights we were home and called each girl into my bedroom individually. (I called it my office, because I’m cool like that!)(The girls are so lucky.) We sat cross-legged on the bed and just spent a few minutes of uninterrupted conversation. It was wonderful. I’ve slacked at that the last few weeks, but it’s something I want to pick back up and continue as part of our nighttime routine.
If you have more than one child, what are some ways you show them their individual attention and/or importance? How can I make sure they come to me with problems and not someone out there, in the world?
