My first child recently left for college quite a distance away and I am a bit more emotional then I expected. To the parents of young children: College will be here in a blink. (I never believed anyone who said that.)
Spend as much time as you can with them. They need you to “Be There.” Be present.
Watch a movie, eat ice cream on the couch, sit in a room with them even if they are involved with something else. They will remember all this and you will too. You will miss it.
You can’t get it back. I found the younger ages challenging and I was guilty of wanting certain times to move a bit quicker. I would do anything to go back. I remember walking through the door and my children would freeze, drop what ever they were holding and run to me. I wish I had that on film. I only now realize how fast they grow up. One of the best things you can hear them say one day, other than “I love you” is that they always remember “Mom or Dad being there.” Once they become parents, they will truly understand how meaningful you being there was. This will have a far greater impact on them than any vacation or object they were given.
Writing this was somewhat out of my comfort zone and while I have never written in the Manhasset Press, I felt compelled to do so at this time. I am far from the person to give advice, but if any parent can slow down even for a moment, I believe you will be thankful for it.
Michael J. Genovese
