Listening

It occurred to me several times over the last few weeks that I am incredibly distractable in the afternoons. It's troublesome. It's my main time with my kids, and I don't want to miss it! So, I'm trying to regrasp my active listening. It used to be so good that H would even repeat back to me what I said to him. He certainly no longer does so, and EW just kind of ignores me when I ask him questions. 

So, tonight, after reading, I also tried to focus back in on being specific when telling my kids that I love them. It went this way:

Me: Henry, I'm so proud of you. 

Henry: For what? 

Me: I think you're neat, and Iike the way you...

Henry: I hope I can drive a vehicle under water one day. 

(I was going to tell him that I like how he can tell me when he's frustrated with something. There's a back story... a long one. I was not a good mom this morning.)

He went on about a wii game that he loves. I listened. Boy, it was hard. But, he snuggled in for a bit. That part. That part is why I'm going to keep practicing until I get a little better again.