Step Into The Painting

I’ve raised two boys, so I understand how busy life can be for parents. Finding free time to spend with your children between responsibilities at work and responsibilities at home can be difficult.

I also know this: opportunities to engage with your children are in front of you right now, but you have to harness them. Instead of sitting back and watching your child’s life unfold in front of you … step into the painting.

That phrase – “step into the painting” – means instead of standing back and admiring life from a distance, step into it. Find new ways to engage with what’s going on around you. For example, if you’re driving somewhere and notice a beautiful sunset, don’t just keep driving. Pull over. Get out of the car. Linger for a while and take it all in.

Or say you’re at the playground with your kids. Instead of watching from the bench as they play and laugh with delight, get up and join the fun. Make a memory.

My attitude when my boys were younger was always, “Jump in and participate.” I must have played the tag game Groundsies with them hundreds of times over the years, on camping trips, on weekends at the playground. Wherever we were and whatever we were doing, watching from the sidelines was never an option. My goal was to connect.

You only get one chance to participate in your kids’ lives. Make every moment count! Get up and get engaged. Step into the painting.