Presence As A Present

I was attending an Early Childhood conference yesterday sponsored by the Alliance for Kids.  In one of the first sessions I was attending, the presenter showed us this quote by Jesse Jackson: "Children need your presence more than your presents."  Of all the wonderful information that I received at the conference, reading this quote helped me the most.  I had been debating working outside the home and not renewing my day care license.  After much prayer and conversation, I realized that the Lord has me in this career for a reason. There are people I continue to meet in this field that are blessing my life with their wisdom, compassion, and encouragement.  On a daily basis, I'm changing my perspective on my work and the impact it has on my children and the children I care for each week.  No matter how little the pay, or how menial the task may seem to me, these children are happy to be with me.  I could work in a position that pays much more but, I would only be able to spend a few hours a day with my girls (except weekends of course).  I recognize that many people are unable to stay home with their children; hence, the need for day care centers and family child care homes. However, for me to have chosen a different path based on money would have resulted in my children only having presents from me, not my presence. 

This also brought up a second thought for me: am I truly giving them my presence?  Yes, I'm physically there with them but, am I emotionally with them?  Children need uninterrupted time to play for their imaginations to flourish.  However, when they call on me to read a story or hold a baby doll, do I accept their offers or continue checking my email?  There have certainly been times where my lack of sleep has kept me emotionally unavailable for their simple play.  I didn't have the energy to engage them in a way that would increase their vocabulary, offer a different option, or show them new ways to play.  At the very least, I am grateful that I gave them my love.  It doesn't take much energy to give a hug, hold a child on your lap, or let them climb over you as you lay in the floor. 

When you are with your children or any children that are a part of your life today, give them the greatest gift you could ever give them....YOU!!!