Maybe I need a parenting class......

Today I am feeling like a terrible parent. Last night Miss L was with me scrapbooking in the basement when she told me that she wanted me to eat a picnic upstairs with her..."and unplug the phone".

"Unplug the phone...?"

Why?

"Because you are always on the phone."

"I am?"

"Yes, and I miss you."

This hit me like a sucker punch to the stomach.

I never realized that she felt deprived. In fact, I never realized that so many people called as such in-opportune times.... or that I was even on the phone THAT much.

However, I guess she is right and I need to, at the very least, not answer the phone during these times.

I assured her that she and her brother were the most important people in my life. That if I was neglecting her, I most definitely didn't mean to.

The worst part is that I thought I was doing a decent job. I try to play some every day. Whether it be tractors in the floor, play-doh, baking cookies, etc... But what I think is unimportant. Our children are the best gauge of our effectiveness. Apparently I am not being very effective.

Live and Learn.