Intentional Parenting

    Do you know what it means to be an intentional parent? For me, it means being present in every decision regarding my children. It means thinking about what they are doing and how it's going to help them in the future. I'll be honest, I am not 100% at intentional parenting. Especially, on the weekends when I just want to get some extra sleep!! It's much easier to hand off the iPad or give him something to keep him occupied for an additional 30 min. But it's a goal, something I work on and strive to reach.
   
    I'll be honest, this does take some extra time. For me, it's taking the time to plan an activity, or grab items (toys, books, etc) that will challenge my children and help them grow. It's sitting down with them, taking the time to explain why things happen and how things work. It's being honest, when you don't know the answer, but showing them how to find an answer as you do it together.

   If you take the time to look, I'm sure there are moments or even gaps in your day where you can carve out extra time. As a mother that works inside AND outside the home, time is a precious commodity, but I make it happen. My family is my most precious gift, as such, I need to make the time to invest in them. To me, that's what life is all about, your family and the relationships you build with others. Sometimes it will come down to a choice of doing one thing or another, it can be hard, but you'll be truly thankful when you do. Here are a few examples on how I've become a more intentional parent.

    When I'm at home, I'm focused on my family, it's a decision I've made in the last month or so. I've gone on a social networking/computer fast. It's not easy (2 of my businesses are social networking based), but after a while you realize you don't miss it that much. So how do I do it? Easy!! I leave my phone in my purse in another room, my iPad charges when I'm home (upstairs in my room) and the computer is also upstairs. We spend 98% of our time as a family downstairs, so this really makes it easy to accomplish. I'm also trying to make it a technological free zone as well, but my hubby hasn't quite gotten on board with that one yet. ;)

   I like the idealize the times when family got together as for dinner, they sat around the table, spoke about their days and spent QUALITY time together. Sometimes I have this, sometimes I don't, but I'd also like it to extend to our non-meal times. When our children know that the hours between dinner and bedtime is time they get to spend with us. I have a list of activities for this time, but I'd be interested in hearing your ideas! Also, what does intentional parenting look like to you?