For the love of Independence....

I have been tossing around this statement in my head for weeks now….”how do you encourage children to become more independent?” Seems like a simple enough question and one would think a simple solution could be found…however I am convinced that the “solution” is far more difficult than meets the eye. Perhaps there are other moms pondering the exact same question or dealing with some of the same issues so I thought someone might read this and provide insight. If not, then at least I am getting my thoughts out of my own head and on to paper….well sort of…

I have never met children with more toys, games, movies, puzzles, and knick knacks as my two. They even have a somewhat broad imagination that comes to life in the form of wrestling and chasing each other endlessly throughout my house. They are a great age difference apart and are very fortunate to have a live-in playmate at all times. With that said, why is that I cannot pee, do laundry, fix myself a glass of water, load or unload the dishwasher, handle feminine needs, shower, change clothes, brush my hair or teeth, complete my makeup, have a simple phone conversation, walk to another room for a brief second, kiss my husband, or pretty much ANYTHING else without having them attached to my hip, leg, or foot or without them endlessly screaming my name!?!?!

I simply am not that fascinating nor do I feel that I have the ability to be an endless source of entertainment for 2 or 5 year olds. I do understand a child’s need for attention, affection, etc….but mine get all of that and more. I often find myself wondering why they can’t simply be out of my site for more than 3-5 minutes at a time without sending out a search party. I never knew silence could be so loved, so appreciated, as I do now when I get the small brief moments to myself.

I do not wish for this time to pass quickly for I know that it already is. My son is 5, in pre-k, and changing everyday in front of my eyes. My daughter is potty trained, outgrowing all her clothing, and totally developing a mind of her own. People say all the time, “do not wish this time away for you will miss it…” and I could not agree more. However, just this once, for the sake of my privacy, my vanity, my make-up, my pitiful hair jobs, my “mommy” clothes, my not wanting to answer the question….”mommy what is that” (pointing to my private area)….just this once….I would like them to have some independence!!!!!!