“Mum,you’re always on the computer!”Laure complained.
“No,I'm not.”I defended .
“Every day I come home from school you’re working on the computer.”
“Well,at least I'm here for you!”
My daughter was right.Day after day,in my home office,I would stare into space as my hands typed out the thoughts of a speaker or research completed for an article.It seemed that my work as a writer and speaker connected my fingers to the keyboard and my mind to valuable ideas.What Laure did not realize was that during her day away,I'd also be doing a lot of housework.It was only around three in the afternoon that I'd finally seat myself at my desk for a few precious moments of deep thought.Then she’d come in from schoo1.
I was proud of myself on being available to my children.After all,I am a speaker on child behavior and parenting.But Laure’s observation touched my heart.In her eyes,I must have been a mom who was available but unapproachable.I wouldn’t make such an image before her.My relationship with my children is more important than any other work.
“Laure,”I called.“come here a minute.”
She wandered to my doorway.I had decided to have her remind me when I was too devoted to work.I wanted her to have the power to let me know when she thought I was cold.
After I explained my schedule and the fact that I chose home office to be accessible to her and her sister,I offered Laure the following promise.
“Whenever you feel I'm ignoring you or you need my attention,I want you to hug me,I said,“just come up and give me a little hug,that’11 be our signal that you need me.
Years later we still have that unspoken sign.I've become much more sensitive to my daughters’comings and goings.And she always gives me a little hug to remind me of the real reason I work at home.