TheWRITEaddiction.com

CHILD NEGLECT!!!  That’s what really makes my blood boil.  Now, let me ask you before I proceed.  What image entered your mind when you read those two words?  Some child beaten or starved of food?  Some child living in filth with rags for clothing?  Yes, this is child neglect in its truest form, however, this is not the kind of neglect that I am referring to.

There are various forms of child neglect that go unnoticed regularly.  Any parent that does not give time and attention to their child is guilty of child neglect.  Any parent that uses their television and/or video games as a baby sitter is guilty of child neglect.  Any parent that believes a lap top computer and/or a smart phone can provide the love, warmth, comfort, and direction that only a parent can provide is guilty of neglect. The fact of the matter is your child needs YOU.

Sometimes folks would tell me that my son was spoiled.  They did not mean that my son was spoiled from getting all of the THINGS that he wanted.  They considered him spoiled because I gave him my time and attention.  My son and I would read together and to each other.  My son and I took trips to the museums and parks together.  My son and I spent time discovering the wonders of nature and the joy of sports together.  My son and I still spend quality time together. Oh sure, I could have paid someone else to spend time with my son while I was doing other things or earning extra money to purchase things to occupy his time.  I learned from my parents that the greatest thing that you could give your child is your time and attention.  There is NO substitute for you.

When parents choose to sacrifice their time for work instead of sacrificing their time with their child, then that is child neglect. Yes, working is required to provide the necessities of life and a few wants, but work should not consume ALL of your time and attention.  So many of my sons’ peers are hungry for the kind of love and attention that my son received.  It is not that I am a perfect parent.  FAR FROM IT!  I simply apply the formula that my parents used with me and my eight siblings.  Love plus time plus attention equals a happy child.

If you are guilty of allowing something else to take your place in the life of your child, stop neglecting them.  Spend time with your child.  Read a book to them and let them read to you.  Discuss their day with them.  Go for a walk together. Don’t just drop them off to sports practice.  Stay with them and show your support.  Show it with your presence and not just your finance.  Be a plugged in parent.  Be a parent that nurtures and not neglects their child.

Show your child, no matter their age, that you want to spoil them.  Use the formula.  I guarantee that it will work.  Love + time + attention = a happy child.  Have a fun-filled  FUNKADELIC FRIDAY.