Shhhh! Let me share a secret with you that’ll make you and the little one(s) in your life feel extra special. I had the opportunity to be the 2nd grade class’ Mystery Reader this morning. I have given presentations to all levels of leadership in the private and public sector but I could not sleep last night. Apparently, I hold 7 year olds in high regard. Actually, I think it was one 7 year old in particular and no matter how tough we try to act as parents, we want our kids to be proud of us and maybe once in a while, like us. It’s not necessary 100% of the time, for the record.
I gotta tell you. Today mattered so much to me. I worked SO many hours in all my previous jobs, I never took the time to participate in these types of 9 to 5 activities at the kids’ schools. I told myself that anything during the work day was off the table because there is so much work to do and so many people to manage. Based on how I feel today, I am totally kicking myself. I just wanted to share this with any hard working parent who may feel like they don’t have the time. Call me a hypocrite because my revelation has come AFTER I left my job and that would be fair but as Steve always says, “you can learn a lot from a dummy”. If I am being completely honest with myself, I could have made the time. And in the age of Corona, where quite a few things are remote, it’s even more possible to make the time.
Contact your child’s teacher and ask if there is any way for you to participate this year. Whether it is reading a story or giving a virtual presentation about what you do, it will mean a lot to your child and also mean more to you than you may know. I realize now the importance of making time for these types of memories and while I don’t have a 9 to 5, I am still working quite a bit on the blog and other opportunities. Your girl’s busy, ok? But, I will never forget today and I don’t think Jackson will either. Halfway through the story, he came out of his room and gave me a hug (in front of his friends, btw). Take that, future teenage Jackson! I know as kids get older, these public displays of affection will dwindle significantly so my advice is to take advantage of these moments now.
Make the time. Take a break from the job. They will be okay without you for 3o minutes and most importantly, you will feel SO good. I wish I could go back in time and do better but that’s not possible. What we can do is to move forward so set a date or team up with another parent, grandparent or friend to multiply the impact of your actions. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Let me put a note in here for my teacher friends. You should ask permission, work with the teacher and respect a “not at this time” answer as well. Just want to make sure good intentions don’t cause mental breakdowns. Thank you to Jackson’s school for engaging parents during this time. So awesome. Please share if you try this and let me know how it goes. I’m excited for you already!
Awesome. That was so thoughtful of you. I am so proud. I have to pat myself on the back. Those nuns at St. Louis would be very proud of their angel Melissa.
Aww. Thanks, Mummy. I’m a long way away from getting lashed on my knuckles with a ruler…lol