I miss my kids when I am away, I really do.  Not in a desperate, pining sort of way, since I know they are happy and cared for, but I miss their company and our conversations.

But my kids miss me, a lot.  Which is wonderful, and terrible all at once.

I was away from them for a week.  A week they spent at the beach, with their cousins, laughing most (if not all of the time) But when I arrived, it was suddenly a battle for affection.

Three kids, and only one of me.

From the moment I stepped in the door I was pulled in two directions.  Watch me, hold me, listen to me, talk to me.  Our two little ones battled it the hardest, with the oldest laying in wait, knowing now that her time will come.

One person to do two bedtime snuggles. One lap to sit on. One conversation at the time.

This desperate need for my attention was stifling. It was challenging to balance “all the things” people wanted. Was a struggle to be there when they needed me.

Upon waking, they launched into the battle again.

I gave in. Did time limits for my lap, tried to listen to ALL of it, and eventually they got their fill.

I messaged my husband about their “cling” and his response was direct and impactful.

He said, “well honey, I think that is probably a really good thing”

And he is right, it is.  Being missed, and being wanted IS a good thing, although sometimes better experienced in light doses, when possible.

But however you can get ti is better than not getting it at all.