"Are You My Mommy?"

I have at least ten topics running through my head for tonight's blog post, but I'll just ignore them all and go with something that happened a few minutes ago, as I was getting my 3 year old ready for bedtime.

Please excuse the graphic nature of this story, but it's all relevant to the main point I want to make. :) My son's bedtime ritual begins with the potty. We lure him to the potty with the promise of an exciting book being read as he... does his business. I, being the Dad, always try to add my own repertoire of special effects to the stories, be it "Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See?", or "Oh, The Places You'll Go!". Needless to say, he really enjoys those few minutes sitting on the throne before he jumps into the tub.

Once in the tub, he, his submarine, his boat, his boat's captain (otherwise known as "the dude"), his transformer and sometimes even his Buzz Lightyear, all have the time of their lives splishing and splashing and doing their best to get Mama or Papa all wet.

Right after he gets out of the tub, and for as long as I can remember, he asks for a hug. Not just a short little hug, but a full-on embrace. It's as if he's saying, "Thank you for these really special moments you spend with me".

After that it's off to his room to get his PJ's on, and then back to the bathroom to brush his teeth and comb his hair.

Tonight, I started brushing his teeth and then handed him the toothbrush and asked him to continue. He didn't grab it quickly enough and it dropped to the floor, making a bit of a mess. I immediately picked it up with some frustration, and before I could mutter out a word, he looked at my reflection in the mirror and asked, "You're not my Dad anymore?". I couldn't help but laugh and give him a big kiss, and told him that I am always going to be his Dad.

He then re-phrased and asked if I was upset, and of course I replied "No!". He couldn't hide his smile. It was a very special moment, and I know that it's these insignificant little moments that we're going to remember for years and years to come.

As parents, we'll typically come home longing for some R&R, but when it comes down to deciding whether to be on that chair relaxing, or jumping around and making funny noises with your kid, you better choose the option that will build your kid's self esteem up! That kid will grow up quickly, and if you want to be a major influence and guide in his or her life, you better become involved RIGHT NOW!

So, bottom line: Cherish the time you can spend with your kids. That's a time that you will NEVER regret investing. It will never, ever lose value. In fact, it's guaranteed to compound your child's probabilities for success in the future.

:) Love to all!