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Let's have a Meeting

© Heike Boehnke

was sitting in my home office, when my daughter came to my desk, grabbed my day planner and pen, and walked off.

“Hey, you can’t color in there, that is Momma’s work calendar”.

“I know, I want to have a meeting with you, right there.”, as she points to an empty afternoon slot.

For me, an important part of us practicing “Attachment Parenting” is that we take the time explain things to our daughter, this makes our bond so strong and supports mutual respect. It also gives her the knowledge to express herself, both positive and negative. Recently, during a play date, my daughter said “You are making me very angry because….” It was said in a very calm tone, but she expressed her feelings. The little friend’s mom stated: “It is wonderful how well she can express her feelings!” I was very proud!

What does this have to do with my day planner?

Since I have been working from home since my now four year old was two, she is experiencing a different life than many other children. She actively “works” with me in my business, sits at booths and expos with me and hands out catalogs, and loves helping me sort out orders. She has had to learn to wait with her requests until I am off the phone with a client, since that is when Momma is working. She has had to learn that even though I am home and readily available, I cannot play, read, or have her sitting on me at all times. This has taken a lot of explaining, sometimes going into more serious tones as “if Mommy does not talk on the phone or work on the computer, she is not working. So she does not sell, and cannot make any money.” Harsh reality for a four-year old? For many yes, but for my daughter is strengthens the understanding of what I am doing, and it helps her understand that I am not ignoring her, or that I don’t want to spend time with her instead of the computer. As you can see by the example above, she has also already learned how to win me over and take me away from my desk.

“Making a Meeting” is a very important event for her. She knows that when I meet clients, they get my undivided attention and time in that block allotted. So now I am finding small colorful scribbles or flowers scrawled in my day planner.

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