https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 13 Apr 2026 02:34:58 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/my-child-arrived-just-the-other-day-he-came-to-the-world-in-the-usual-way#post-21041 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 11:32:03 +0000 Maysprout 21041@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My husband and I have had a lot of talks about this even before we were married. It has meant some sacrifices career wise but I think in the end we'll both be happier for making those sacrifices. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/my-child-arrived-just-the-other-day-he-came-to-the-world-in-the-usual-way#post-21010 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 11:01:36 +0000 mrsjyw 21010@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My parents were small business owners who worked 6 days a week. Sundays were "family days" spent at church, lunch/picnic, and playing/riding bikes/roller blading at the state park. Every. Single. Sunday. until our later years in HS and college. and I loved every day of it. I even took DH to some of the parks my parents took us to on our family days. </p> <p>I definitely want to be able to work less than my parents, but I also want to do the same and dedicate a "family day" like my parents made time to do in their busy work filled lives. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/my-child-arrived-just-the-other-day-he-came-to-the-world-in-the-usual-way#post-20961 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 10:05:14 +0000 themcmom 20961@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My parents were teenagers when I was born and they spent my childhood growing up, not being parents. My Dad now regrets that deeply and is being the best Granddaddy he can be. As for me, I want to spend every second with Wombat, but I can't because I work since my husband's in grad school. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/my-child-arrived-just-the-other-day-he-came-to-the-world-in-the-usual-way#post-20928 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 09:22:47 +0000 tequiero21 20928@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>my parents didn't spend much time with us on a daily basis, but i remember taking trips every so often. that did make me want to stay at home with my kids. but doesn't make me want to spend less time with my parents. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/my-child-arrived-just-the-other-day-he-came-to-the-world-in-the-usual-way#post-20925 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 09:09:42 +0000 Rubies 20925@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My parents didn't spend quality time with us on a daily basis because they both worked and my responsibilies were to do my homework and practice piano, that's it. During the summers, though, on random weekends we might, as a family, go to the park or something. But for hte most part, my parents didn't do "stuff" with us. I intend to be different - I want my family to do lots together! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/my-child-arrived-just-the-other-day-he-came-to-the-world-in-the-usual-way#post-20922 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 09:05:07 +0000 MamaMoose 20922@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My parents absolutely prioritized spending time with us. My mom was a full time stay at home mom so she was around ALL THE TIME. But even my dad was always there for soccer games and ballet performances. He did travel a lot for work but when he was in town he always showed up. I think part of it was that my dad older (41 when I was born) so he was already kind of the boss at work. So he had the flexibility to leave when he wanted to be with us. Although I will say despite growing up under the exact same circumstances I am closer to my parents than my brother is. I talk to my dad EVERY day and I talk to my mom 3 or 4 times a week. And when we go home to Mass to visit I mostly just hang out on the couch and spend time with the fam. Meanwhile, my brother talks to my parents maybe once a week, and when he's home in Mass he plans a million different things with his friends and my parents maybe get one dinner out of him. He obviously loves my parents very much, but I don't think he feels the closeness that I do. Part of that is probably just the difference between daughters and sons. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/my-child-arrived-just-the-other-day-he-came-to-the-world-in-the-usual-way#post-20920 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 09:03:24 +0000 tejbee 20920@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My dad always took us on adventures when he was off work on the weekends. Yes, he had a two hour commute to/from work M-F and would be gone early in the morning until about 8pm most nights, but despite this, I don't feel I was deprived of spending time with my dad. My mom would work over the weekends when dad was home, so he always had to work us into any plans he had for his days off. We had a very happy, loving childhood and I have the best memories of both my parents spending time with us. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/my-child-arrived-just-the-other-day-he-came-to-the-world-in-the-usual-way#post-20900 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 07:05:42 +0000 tessabella76 20900@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I love this song too. Reminds me of something I found on Pinterest: When in doubt, choose the kids. There will be plenty of time later to choose work. Anna Quindlen </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/my-child-arrived-just-the-other-day-he-came-to-the-world-in-the-usual-way#post-20898 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 06:51:05 +0000 Wondermommy 20898@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've always loved this song. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/my-child-arrived-just-the-other-day-he-came-to-the-world-in-the-usual-way#post-20893 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:58:25 +0000 SugarplumsMom 20893@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My 5th grade teacher would always sing this song for us. Him sitting in class with his guitar and singing this song is one of those things I will always remember.</p> <p>And I still remember the words =) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/my-child-arrived-just-the-other-day-he-came-to-the-world-in-the-usual-way#post-20891 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:15:14 +0000 mediagirl 20891@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Things like this help you put what's important in perspective. We usually leave work at the office. Sometimes I'm on call and can't help it but home life is and hopefully always be #1 to us next to work. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/my-child-arrived-just-the-other-day-he-came-to-the-world-in-the-usual-way#post-19929 Mon, 21 Nov 2011 23:57:39 +0000 mrbee 19929@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have always loved the song "Cats in the Crade" by Harry Chapin:</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUwjNBjqR-c" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUwjNBjqR-c</a></p> <p>The song is about a dad who is too busy with work and never made time for his son... while the son wanted nothing more to be like his dad. In the end, the son does grow up to be just like the dad... and sadly, doesn't make time for his dad.</p> <p>The lyrics are amazing... here's the final verse before the refrain:</p> <p>---------</p> <p>I've long since retired, my son's moved away<br /> I called him up just the other day<br /> I said, "I'd like to see you if you don't mind"<br /> He said, "I'd love to, Dad, if I can find the time<br /> You see my new job's a hassle and kids have the flu<br /> But it's sure nice talking to you, Dad<br /> It's been sure nice talking to you"</p> <p>And as I hung up the phone it occurred to me<br /> He'd grown up just like me<br /> My boy was just like me</p> <p>---------</p> <p>I try to keep these lyrics in mind, when I'm trying to allocate my time between my work and my kids. Hopefully I make a better choice than the author of those lyrics.</p> <p>Did your parents prioritize time with you? Has that impacted how you prioritize spending time with them? </p>