This afternoon I was trying to compose an email to a group of friends. It did not need to be long, but I wanted it to be just right, and therefore, I was considering my words very carefully. All the while my kids were interrupting my train of thought by asking me questions and pushing me to hurry up so we could go play with their cousins.
I was getting so frustrated, and finally I thought, “What makes these kids think I can multitask like this?!” Hmmm. Let’s see. That would be my fault. How often do I multitask in their presence: while I’m doing school with multiple children, checking email while listening to them ramble, directing one of them while talking on the phone. Good grief! I’ve taught them that I can do multiple things at once, so how can I blame them for interrupting a task I’m involved in?
It’s humbling when you realize you are responsible for the building up of a negative habit in your children – through your own negative habit. However, the first step in fixing a problem is usually to at least acknowledging the problem exists, and I am determined that it must STOP!
For the most part I just have to stop multitasking. I have to give my full attention to one thing, one child, one phone call, one email. I also must teach my children to respect my desire to focus on one thing. They know not to interrupt a conversation where two people are face to face, but now it seems I need to set some boundaries in other areas as well.
Might they also feel more valued when it’s their turn to get my full attention? I think so. This is important I think, so I’m going to give it my best effort. Old dog, here comes a new trick…
