A Walk Around the Block
A morning walk with my kids became a lesson in presence. Last year, I wouldn't have had the patience for this. Cutting social media distractions gave me back the attention my children deserve.
"I want to come with you, Daddy," my six-year-old son told me after I announced I was going to take a walk around the block. "Me too!" my daughter added as she saw her big brother approach the front door. A few seconds later, there we were: me taking a walk to get some sun in my eyes, holding my daughter's hand, my son beside me.
A perfect start to the day.
I quickly realized the walk would take much longer than anticipated—on a three-year-old’s pace. For a second, I thought this might not be the best idea. Getting them to school on time matters. Immediately, I thought: Be patient and enjoy this beautiful time with your children. To be present with them is a gift.
So we started our walk around the block. No distractions—just me, focused on what they wanted to talk about. No timekeeping, no phones, nothing. We would finish when we finished.
Last year, I probably wouldn't have done this. I wouldn't have been this patient. I would have been more worried about getting them to school on time. If I hadn't made the major decision to cut out social media distractions, pick up reading again, write, and take notes to internalize what I read, I don't think I would have had the foresight to see this opportunity as clearly as I did this morning. My mind would have been on the podcast I was listening to as I rushed out of the house, instead of where it needed to be: fully present for my children, grateful that they wanted to join me for a walk around the block.
It was a great walk.
We talked about how cold it was this morning. Even though the sun was coming out, we could still see the moon, so we stopped to admire it because my daughter was enthralled by its beauty.
We spoke about Beyblades and how my son is very excited to see his neighborhood friends after they get back from school. We talked about the book fair. He tried hard to convince me to let him purchase more than one book that comes with a toy—usually a LEGO figurine.
I told him he was allowed to purchase only one book with a toy attached. The rest of the books could not have one. He needs to take the time to select books he really wants to read.
"What about a Minecraft book to read? Can I buy that?"
"Yes, as long as you want to read it, it's all good."
Between one thing and another, we finally reached the fort near our house. The walk had ended. My kids were thrilled about both the walk and our conversations. In the end, they gifted me with their time, and the patience and attention I've regained ensured it was well spent.
And yes, we got to school on time.