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09/19/2016
Dr. Laura:
My 21 year old son and I were having a conversation with a married couple in their 30's. The couple was discussing the challenges of finding a new day care for their 2-year-old child. My son spoke up and said "I will never put my future children in day care, because I don't want strangers taking care of my kids. I want my future wife to stay at home with our children, just as my mom did with me."
The couple tried to explain to him why they both needed to work. My son listened, and then simply said "Your child will never experience what it's like to always know your mom is there." He told them that although he doesn't remember too many specifics from his childhood years, he could not recall a time when I made him feel something or someone else was more important than spending time with him and his brother.
I had unexpected tears in my eyes as I absorbed the impact of this statement. That alone made the years of "always being there for him" the best decision I ever made. So for all the parents who wonder if "being there" for your children is important, it's the best gift you can give them. And in return, the love and appreciation from my son 21 years later is the best gift I have ever received!
Laverne
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