Raise your hand if you feel like a taxi service. Running children from one activity to the next in our over scheduled lives gets to be quite hectic and frustrating at times. But, I now have a new approach to the Yellow Cab part of my life and it has changed my outlook completly.
I used to say…. “I HAVE to drive my kids to soccer practice.” Note the emphasis on “I have to”.
Now I say the same thing but I change one word: “I GET to drive my kids to soccer practice.” “I GET to drive carpool this morning.”
Changing one simple word changes my attitude completely.
It reminds me that picking up kids, shuttling them around to school and various activities is really a GIFT. I GET to spend uninterrupted time with them. I don’t have to compete with the TV, their friends or other distractions. They’re a captive audience and it gives me a chance to get into the “Child Ego State” and joke around, watch them cringe as I belt-out my 80’s tunes in the car and just have fun. We can talk about their day or whatever they want to share.
Sometimes it’s only one of my kids in the car and we have great discussions that wouldn’t happen with a sibling or a second parent around.
All parents get tired of the daily shuttle, but I encourage you to say the words OUT LOUD… “I GET to drive you to practice today.” It reminds you and your kids that these moments are a GIFT. Before we know it, they’ll be asking US for the keys to the car so they can drive themselves. Let’s enjoy it now!
From one busy parent to another – I wish you the best in your parenting journey!
We teach parents about the three ego states (child, parent and adult) and so much more in Session 1 of our online course. You can enroll in a 14-Day Free Trial. Click here.
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