Way It Should Be

I was checking out the CFO's post Warning: Your identity as a parent is taking over your life. My husband and I are both guilty of this. By Choice!!

We spent all our non-working time with the kids. Doing whatever. One day we could be building a volcano in the kitchen, the next a 7 course meal fit for only children. The next day, we may have been found trying to master a BMX bike, like the tricksters at the fair or having massive neighborhood hide and seek games.

Looking back and even at the time, we can see that we were neglecting our lives, so to speak, to share in the kids life's. At the time, we were so busy, living the full life, that it didn't matter.

Now, as our family shrinks - at least the ones under our roof, we find ourselves with time. Time, that we need to fill with doing for ourselves and each other. It is a different life. Sometimes even sad.

We are getting better, but it is a daily job to learn to meet with friends again and to be ourselves.

I see the CFO's warning as a valid warning. It is so easy to focus 100% on the kids and lose yourself. Making it a tough transition from that all consuming parenting, to the sideline parent waiting in the wings. So, it is probably best too keep both sides of yourself moving forward at all times.

Of course, if I had it all too do over again. I would change it, just have more fun, hugs and laughter.