Are we modeling a busy life for our children?

There's no better proof that your kids are always listening than to hear your son drop the F-bomb with perfect precision and emphasis! Where did he learn that?!? Oh, right...(please tell me I'm not the only one!)

Language aside, they also pick up on more endearing words and phrases, like how my daughter calls her younger brother "little buddy" or how my toddler says "oopsie daisy". 

Just last weekend I overheard my daughter exclaim "Mmm mm this water is so good!" 

And I regularly hear my oldest talk about how "sleep is good for your mind and your body".

It makes me proud to know they're listening... and a little nervous.  

It's why I've been focused on trying to not use the word BUSY in my vocabulary. 

How many times do you say to your kid who just wants you to come play - "just a minute, I'm busy!"?

Or how frequently do you answer the question of how have you been, with "Good. Busy"?

Busy implies that you're frantically doing all the things.

That you've got a lot going on.

As if you have no say in the matter.

But there's always an element of choice. 

You're choosing to continue folding the laundry instead of playing with your son.

You're choosing to try and do all the things rather than set boundaries around your time. 

Your weeks aren't busy. You're just letting lots of tasks and priorities compete for your attention rather than focusing on what's important. 

Modeling For My Kids

I don't want my kids to live a busy life, constantly tired from trying to do too much.

I don't want them to believe that they don't have control over their time and how they spend it.

I want them to live an intentional life.

I want them to make time for the things that matter to them.

And I think that starts by intentionally saying what we mean. 

Busy is a choice. And I'm choosing to no longer say I'm busy. 

What about you?

 

p.s. - If you want to try removing busy from your vocabulary, make it a challenge. Keep a tally of every time you catch yourself using the word throughout your day. Start with awareness. Catch yourself in the act.