I received some advice a few months back that was directed towards having daughters, but I think it is highly applicable to any child. Never go on errands alone. It is something so simple, yet I would have never thought of it and it is something that just makes so much sense. If I’m going to the store to pick up something for dinner, there is little reason why I shouldn’t get one or two of my kids ready and take them with me.
Sometimes, I need to go alone on an errand. Sometimes, I need that time alone so that I can refocus, regroup, and redirect myself so I can be a better father to my kids. The truth of the matter though is that I should be quick to say “yes” to my kids asking if they can come with me to pick up the Chinese food.
There is such a huge benefit to this. First off, I have a lot of kids (5!), so taking someone with me gives my wife just a little bit of reprice while I am gone. Parenting is hard work and finding ways to lighten each other’s plates is crucial. If this is one simple way that I can do that for my wife, then I should do it.
Next, this gives me and my kid a great chance to converse. We are on a mission when we go out for errands. We need bread in the house! It’s a little quest and during that quest, we have some precious time to talk about anything. There is oftentimes a pressure that comes with driving the kids to school and picking them up. The way to and from church is sometimes a nightmare as well. This time out for errands though gives us a chance to connect with little to no pressure.
Third, I believe this puts less stress on the idea of having to run some errands. Are errands fun? Well, not exactly. My kids at the ripe old age of 7 and 5 though don’t need to know how terrible random errands can be. This gives me a chance to have some fun while I am out. Games can happen. Jokes can be told. Music can be listened to loudly.
Lastly, taking my kids on errands with me is one small way that I can show my kids that they matter to me. They are gonna ask to come with me. Constantly saying “no” to them isn’t healthy. Saying “yes” shows them that they are wanted. Through doing this, my kids and I have formed friendships. My kids aren’t my friends. My kids and I have formed some good bonds though and it’s in part because I’ve taken them with me.
It’s simple. It’s painless, I promise. Like I’ve stated already, there are still times that I really need to get out alone. A word of warning; don’t try to push this one on your spouse, especially if they are really feeling the need to get out and about on their own. Let them enjoy that time alone. When it’s your turn, take someone with you. Enjoy and have fun and spend that quality time with your kids while you have it.
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