"Momma, I've got to go potty."
"Momma, how do you spell dinosaur?"
"Momma he's sitting on my head. Again."
"Momma, at what rate would ice melt if I put it in water that has been in the fridge?"
"Momma, I think my sister is locked in the closet."
"Momma heeeeelp. They won't let me out!"
Yup. I've heard all of these and all when I'm trying to focus on something that seems important.
Then there's the unsaid interruptions, say a toddler with a garbage can hat running down the hall, or a child that has decided that it's time to brush the cat's teeth.
Mundane life is always tugging at the back of a person's mind too.
Dishes need washed. There is banana goo stuck to the floor under the table. The socks have gone on strike.
How is one ever suppose to concentrate?
I honestly don't know. I just try, rolling with life as much as I can. The crazy thing is that I don't need to concentrate as much as I think I do. It would be nice but if that's not an option I'm stubborn enough to persevere anyway, claiming little bits of quite for the treasures that they are. They add up and the interruptions add flavor to my life and writing that I wouldn't otherwise have.
Concentration is like 'Zen' for me - every time I think I've found it, something I could be doing pops into my head! LOL
ReplyDeleteHehe. I have that problem too.
DeleteGreat post Sarah. Concentration is definitely lacking in my life. I was diagnosed with ADD as a kid and it's probably gotten a lot worse in the 20+ years since. I'm quite frazzled whenever I can't concentrate (which as you know is practically all the time when you have young children) and at times I won't even do a thing (like comment on a blog) if I've been distracted or will likely be distracted. I really should learn to relax :/
ReplyDeleteThe Pedestrian Writer
I save most of my blogging for when the kids are asleep. I get frustrated when a simple post or comment takes twenty minutes cause I can't think lol. If they are napping or playing even for five minutes I can get so much done.
DeleteOh my gosh! Do you have a camera in my house? Those are my three year old twins...every five minutes interrupting my concentration. Exactly why I have to do my writing at wee hours of the night. Oh kids... lol
ReplyDeleteYes, I write in the wee hours too! Our kids would get along great :)
DeleteEnjoy life's insane flavours. That's crazy but the life of a mom isn't easy and when my time comes...oh look a book I can read quietly by myself. Yeah, not any time soon. Anyway your daughter begging to get out the closet reminded me of a story where the sun only shined once a year for an hour on a planet and as a prank the kids locked one girl in a closet. When the sun came out they forgot about her and played. The story ends with the kids realizing they had forgotten her and going to let her out (but the sun was gone). Okay that's an awful story. Why did I share that?
ReplyDeleteCondolences Chris.
Lol, that is a horrible story! Thanks for sharing though. I'd never heard it.
DeleteSounds just like when mine were little. The good news is this doesn't last forever. The bad news is when they are older, you interrupt yourself getting up to go find out what they are doing! Overall, it does get better, and meanwhile you've learned the skill of making the best use of those tiny moments.
ReplyDeleteYes, I suppose it is a good skill for every stage of life.
DeleteI'm at the point where I almost need distractions. I'm just so used to them. O.o
ReplyDelete(As I type this, my kids are making farting noises. It's LOVELY.)
Lol! This comment made me laugh :)
DeleteThey're not babies for long. great to connect and follow
ReplyDeletehttp://aimingforapublishingdeal.blogspot.co.uk/
Twitter: WriterBizWoman
So true.
DeleteAs usual, you have both my sympathy and empathy, Sarah, as a homeschooling parent of multiple children. Though, since my wife does much of the schooling, I'm sure she empathizes with you more! It sounds like you have the right idea: make the most of the little moments. Long periods of concentrated effort often need to be sacrificed for the sake of being a good parent. It's not easy, but for what it's worth, I think you're on the right track. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you. Yes, I suppose it is a very worthy sacrifice to make.
DeleteOh, Sarah, they are precious moments now, but I gotta say I also love this life without the little ones to distract. Each phase of life has its peaks and valleys--sometimes within the same hour!
ReplyDeleteI agree. I can think of tons of good and bad things of every stage I've been in so far (and yes, some within the same hour!).
DeleteI think you have the right attitude try to enjoy that busy time of life as you can and otherwise just roll with things. I think "precious moments" are usually more visible in the years ahead while looking back--as I tend to have forgotten the challenges like the smell of twins with dirty diapers and such.
ReplyDeleteThat's good to keep in mind. It is hard to see past the busyness when your actually in the moment. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI've heard that parents must simply let go of concentration and save it for later, when the kids need to start learning how to concentrate. When they're so young, they're just too new... they don't know anything yet, so they're all over the place! Sounds like you're handling it just right. :)
ReplyDeleteRandom Musings from the KristenHead — C is for 'Copper' and Cats (and More Cats)