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“Mothers who know, do less. They permit less of what will not bear good fruit eternally. They allow less media in their homes, less distraction, less activity that draws their children away from their home. Mothers who know are willing to live on less and consume less of the world’s goods in order to spend more time with their children – more time eating together, more time working together, more time reading together, more time talking, laughing, singing, and exemplifying. These mothers choose carefully and do not try to choose it all. Their goal is to prepare a rising generation of children who will take the gospel of Jesus Christ into the entire world.”- Julie B. Beck (click here for entire talk)
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I want to be the kind of mother who does less. All our kids really need and want from us is our time. They need our time and attention. And after all, if we’re not giving it to them… who and what is? I am probably the worst offender of not giving my children my time. I’m a stay at home mom. So I’m with my kids ALL day. And because of that, it’s hard for me to actually sit down and just play with them. If Boston is happy playing by himself I’m cleaning or doing laundry. I’m working on crafts, talking on the phone and blah blah blah. A million things. I find myself telling Boston “I’ll be there in just a second” way too often. But I stay at home so I can spend time with my kids. So I can teach them and be with them. Am I taking advantage of that blessing? Or am I squandering the hours away with meaningless tasks?
I’m probably doing a little bit of both. And I am challenging myself and all you other mommas to spend just a little bit more time with your kids. Time away from the TV, from phones, homework, visiting neighbors and to-do lists. No regrets.
Let’s see if we can be a little more like the mother who does less!
We deftiinely need more smart people like you around.
I love this. It’s just what I needed. Thank you! 🙂
Love this sister.
I love this! very inspiting.
Abby, thank you soooo much for this post. It really resonated with me and seemed like an answer to some of the questions I’ve been asking 🙂 I love your blog!
Thanks for sharing this! I think sometimes we get in the mindset that we have to get all these other things done, when really, spending time with out kiddos is the most important. I cringe to think of all the times I saw “hold on”. I’m glad you shared this, I needed it.
Great Post !!!
Blessings & Hugs ~ Connie xox
Abby, Thank you for posting this! Such a great encouragement! I may repost it on my blog, too. Such a good word! I have been struggling with this as well, due with my 2nd baby in 3 weeks, and I find myself “too tired” to spend that quality time. But how much energy does it really take to sit and read books, or sing a few times? Thank you for the encouragement! 🙂
Love this!! I have the same conversation with myself often:) although I am not a stay at home mom, I am a kindergarten teacher. I find our family is happiest when we don’t have so many distractions from the world…which is especially challenging with 10 and 12 year old girls in the house!! I am definitely striving to be like the mother who does less:)
I’m the 5th born of nine children,so time with my parents is something I cherish,and being homeschooled has given me such time,plus I get to know my siblings better. Now we have a television and dvd player (no cable),and internet,but my mom dedicates alot or her time to us even when she is battling demanding disease.
lol,so this comment is getting more and more pointless,so I’ll end it here by saying,
Great post Abby….
p.s. love your name.
Great quote and so SPOT ON! We have made it a huge priority to not get the kiddos over-scheduled for those exact reasons!!
Just so you know – I think this was an answer to a prayer I’ve recently made. Thanks! Just in time.
great reminder. I need to spend more time doing what’s important too. I loved that talk when I heard it for the first time too. Thanks for posting
FABULOUS reminder. You are challenging me to do LESS, and I like it. 🙂
Thanks for sharing this Abby! I loved this talk when I heard it. It’s so true. Our time with our children is short and precious. Such a great goal. And I will take the challenge with you.