Hang On Mom

“Hang on, mom!”

Famous words from kids all over the world who just want to stay, play or even sleep a little longer. Sometimes I feel like that phrase is said just to push my buttons.  This is of course not true.  It seems it just usually stems from kids, just being...well kids.  

It seems that when I give a warning about time, like we will leave in a half hour, I see better results.  I have three kids. Two of them are adults and I learned a long time ago, it is usually better to give a warning. They have time to wrap up whatever they are doing and prepare to change gears.  

That said it does not always work and I have had to drag a crying or upset child from a playdate or down to dinner.  Now that my last child is older, it is easier.  He knows when we serve dinner and is usually ready for the interruption.  

I think the more aware of time they become, the easier it is.  Younger kids have no real handle on time.  You say five minutes until dinner, but that does not have any real meaning to them.  So when the five minutes are up and you call them, they do not see that it has been that long.  When you are young it can seem like an hour or the blink of an eye.  

Somewhere someone has done some scientific study.  I am not that impressed with that.  I know that each and every kid is different and they all learn, grow and mature at their own rate. No amount of prodding, poking or pleading with change that.  

So we do our best to be understanding and get stern when we have to, but mostly we just continue to hear “Hang on, mom!” and sometimes smile knowing that all too soon they grow up and leave the nest.  That someday you will miss that silly phrase.

Posted by Heather Garcia

For Wake Forest Homeschoolers