Please Don't Miss It

In our home, we love our children with everything we have, and they always come first. You will not find Keith and I sitting in a bar. The last time it happened was almost 4 years ago, and I don't see another opportunity coming up in the near future. If we are going to do something, they are usually with us. We play and go do stuff all as a family. For me it is hard not to judge the parents out there that choose to do the opposite. They are out with their friends having fun drinking and shopping and vacationing... and although I think that is healthy in moderation, there are those that are rarely with their kids. I want to shake them. You are missing it! You are missing your one chance to experience their childhoods. This is the time when they need you most, and it is the time you can never ever get back. Some parents hide from the responsibility or the stress. Some don't want to deal with the fighting or the messy house, so they go off constantly and live a life separate from their children. To you I say, I'm sorry. I am sorry you are going to miss it.

Never think that because my children are Special Needs, they need me any more than your children need you. Children need love and guidance and disipline and play. A parent is a child's favorite playmate. A parent is a child's best teacher. It is never too late to change things and step up for your kids. They need you every day, whether you think they do or not.

If you are reading this right now, and are feeling offended in any way, use that as a wake up call. Fix it. Toughen up. Step up. Be the parent your kids can be proud of. Be the parent your mother would be proud of. Choose to do something fun with your kids this weekend instead of making it about yourself.

Just do it for your kids. They aren't going to be kids forever. Please don't miss it.