The Most Important Work

I love this quote from C.S. Lewis. It can be hard to get work done with little ones underfoot. Trying to get the housework done, or open up the computer and get paperwork done, or open the hood of the car and do repairs, or anything. The little ones want their parents' attention, they want to be involved with what's going on. And allowing the child to "help" often creates more work than there was to begin with, because they're not really skilled enough to actually help. They just make a bigger mess, and you have to re-do the work that they did, more often than not. But that's okay. That whole process is worth embracing. When small children are allowed to help, they know that they are a valued part of the family. They know that they are involved. They know that their contribution matters. It really instills a sense of peace and security in the child. This is the most important work. Living life with the little ones, creating an atmosphere for them to grow and thrive in.