The Power of Listening to Your Child with Your Eyes

I spent the last six months frequently doing two things: Growing my freelance writing business and sticking my nose in my phone. I did many other things with my time, but this is my simple confession: There have been seasons when my “phone to kid” ratio was askew and something needed to change.

I tried a couple strategies like locking my phone, dumping my Facebook app, Twitter app, and Gmail app, and setting boundaries on when I wouldn’t conduct business at home (it’s awfully tempting!). I even wrote an article about those strategies in order to help others break away from their habit of checking their phone too often.

Oh, the irony.

Sure, progress was made. But, nothing was quite as effective as the day I found myself driving along in the rain, listening to an audio book called Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom. A very brief anecdote was shared – dare I say – a parable. Its words soaked into my soul.

I pulled the car over and scrambled to write down what I’d heard.

It went far beyond how often I was checking my phone or how much time I spent on my business. It helped me realize how precious a commodity eye contact truly is. Especially on kids. Running a business is great. Routinely checking your email on your phone is fine.

Laughing at a viral video like the Happy Chewbacca Mom at Kohl’s is HIGHLY encouraged.

What matters most is whether or not you’re giving those kiddos (and your spouse) your full attention when you ARE with them.

Here is the little story that stopped my car in the rain and helped me become a better mom.

Read the full story here.

Have a blessed week.

(I really need to get one of those Chewbacca masks.)

Feature Image Credit: Paige Marie (UnSplash)

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I will receive a commission that will go toward running my business and this blog, so thank you!