Patience: day 1

This is the first month that I’ve been sort of dreading. And the only reason it’s “sort of” is that I haven’t been thinking about it. I work with kids, and have for over 10 years. You’d think I would have achieved Patience in order to stick with this field. But here’s my confession: Over a year ago, when I applied for the management position I now have, it was to get away from the kids. Now, I love walking into a room and talking with some kinds, and then leaving. And the way our program is set up is perfect. It gives me time and energy to jump in with kid issues when I’m needed. Somehow, I rarely lose my patience in those situations.

At home, my baby is now 6½ months old. When I worked in the infant room at a daycare, this was my favorite age. But the daycare was baby-proofed. And I was paid to sit on the floor and play. I did have things to get done, but the kids always came first. As a working mom, I find myself getting impatient for naptime. I love playing with my baby; she’s got all the qualities I love about 6-month-olds: she knows me, her personality is quickly emerging, she laughs out loud, and I often see Learning happening in her eyes. But I still have to keep my house clean.

Yesterday, while she slept, I savored some potato chips and knit a little while watching TV. It wasn’t till she was awake and unhappy about being left alone that I remembered I had dishes to put away. When he got home, my hubby reminded me that it’s good to sit for 5 min, and that at least she gave me that much time. That’s true, but still….

So now, I’m embarking on the quest to figure out how to become more patient. I have no idea where to start; any suggestions?