“They are present, but don’t actively engage with their kids”
Being present, however, is just as important as engaging.
“Being present, however, is just as important as engaging.”
I don’t think it is the same thing or as important. I’ve had to catch myself lots of times because I sure am no perfect mother. I don’t think anybody is. At different stages of their lives, kids need different things. Now that my boys are teens, I engage them in conversation as much as possible. We discuss politics, religion, things going on at their schools and in their lives. I let them have and argue their own positions but let them know what my values are and so far, they have internalized our values for the most part. I’m lucky in that on the important things, my husband and I agree so there is no conflict in that regard.
When my kids were little, I didn’t just take them to the pool, I would play with them in the pool. Same with everything else. We don’t just take them to ride their dirtbikes, we all ride and go on family rides. Same with every sport. We play soccer with them, snow ski, water ski, ride mountain bikes, etc. Not all parents can do those active things but it’s important to actually enjoy your kids and show them that you do. They grow up fast enough. Not all situations are the same but all three of my kids are extremely close to us and that would be the same whether I was still working or not because it’s not just about the quantity of time being present.
Really? How?