Today I heard the most beautiful parenting talk, given by Tricia Hoyt. She is a long time friend with the wisdom of growing four children into adulthood.

She gave loads of amazing and practical tips, all with her enthralling Irish accent – which I’m certain gives her even more credibility. But she said something at the end of her talk. She said that she hoped we would learn to waste wonderful time with our children.

It struck a chord deep inside of me.

I felt all of my longing to check off to-do lists and all of my needs to be efficient sit up straight to make sure that I heard her correctly.

…Even just fifteen minutes. Start with five if you need to. But waste time with them. When you are spending time with your children, make sure you are spending time not imparting your moral wisdom or building their character, there will be plenty of time for that. Let there be time where you are just there. Together….

I’m sure she said it more eloquently, but I don’t want to forget.

I sat in the backyard instead of racing to finish dinner. I just watched and listened.

I breathed deeply and prayed for their childhood. I want it to be a place of wonder and friendship and laughter and rest.

I want it to feel safe.

To do this, it’s up to me to keep going and put in the work of wasting wonderful time together.