The Most Important Thing

My 7 year-old daughter, Ella, approached my wife last week.

"Mum, will you come to my class and tell everyone what you do for work?"

Ella's class is learning about occupations. The teacher has suggested that parents attend the class and discuss their work with the children. Ella wanted Kylie (my wife) to share what it is that she does each day with her classmates.

Kylie is a mum. And a pretty amazing one too!

But Kylie was concerned about how she would approach this assignment. She indicated that her role including being a finance expert (for the budget), a lawyer and judge (for dealing with conflict between family members from time to time), a taxi-driver, a cleaner, a chef, and so on. Kylie developed a wonderful and creative list detailing all of the roles she had to be competent in as a mother.

After thinking for some time, Kylie asked me what I think the most important thing might be for a mum to do. She shared her expansive list with me. Within milliseconds I had my ready response.

 I suggested that more than anything at all, children need a mother (and a father) who are ALWAYS there for them, and who will love them no matter what. I told Kylie that the best way we can show our love is to be available to our children - particularly when they are emotional. As if to provide supporting evidence, the next morning Kylie asked Ella (Miss 7), "What do you like doing most with mum?"

Ella gazed at her mum and softly replied, "I don't really care what I do with you. I just like to spend time with you."

"Doing what, though?" Kylie questioned.

"Doesn't matter. I just like to be with you."

Kids don't need fancy treats, holidays, toys, and doodads. They just need a mum and dad to be there for them, and to love them like crazy. That's the most important thing.