Thank you for the vital reflections, as always, Alexandra!
Haidt's new book sounds like just what we need, and I look forward to reading it. I hope more parents (and kids!) take his warnings and observations seriously. I would love to hear his suggestions for influencing young people, who see nothing wrong with their excessive use of technology, to disconnect and re-engage with the world and the people around them.
I share your concern, Alexandra, about the time I spend with my kids and whether I am giving them enough of my attention. I hope and pray that, by God's grace, we will both achieve whatever balance is best and that He will make up what is lacking in our interactions with our children. For what it's worth, if your family photos are any indication, you and your husband are doing an excellent job so far! :)
My husband loves Jonathan Haidt's books. I haven't read any, but I've read lots of his articles throughout the years. I saw he has a blurb on your cover!
As for reflections - people always say there's a way to achieve balance in these things (work/family) but I think it's more seasonal. Sometimes, there is a heavy work season that demands much more time. The kids get to spend more time with others (neighbors? friends? extended family?) and then it ebbs to the other side, where work is more plodding along (not travelling as much), and family will get more time.
Sometimes one is 'more' than the other, but balance - them held in equal weight forever - I can't think of any of my friends who can do that continually for years on end? What I often hear is "When I'm at work, I feel guilty not being around my kids, and when I'm with my kids, I'm thinking I'm behind at work".
I think it's realistic and important to explain to kids from a young age what you said here, "My children are my greatest joy in life, and parenthood is my most important calling.
And yet, I’m passionate about my creative work, too. My work makes me a better human being and a better mother, and I do it for my children".
Thank you for the vital reflections, as always, Alexandra!
Haidt's new book sounds like just what we need, and I look forward to reading it. I hope more parents (and kids!) take his warnings and observations seriously. I would love to hear his suggestions for influencing young people, who see nothing wrong with their excessive use of technology, to disconnect and re-engage with the world and the people around them.
I share your concern, Alexandra, about the time I spend with my kids and whether I am giving them enough of my attention. I hope and pray that, by God's grace, we will both achieve whatever balance is best and that He will make up what is lacking in our interactions with our children. For what it's worth, if your family photos are any indication, you and your husband are doing an excellent job so far! :)
My husband loves Jonathan Haidt's books. I haven't read any, but I've read lots of his articles throughout the years. I saw he has a blurb on your cover!
As for reflections - people always say there's a way to achieve balance in these things (work/family) but I think it's more seasonal. Sometimes, there is a heavy work season that demands much more time. The kids get to spend more time with others (neighbors? friends? extended family?) and then it ebbs to the other side, where work is more plodding along (not travelling as much), and family will get more time.
Sometimes one is 'more' than the other, but balance - them held in equal weight forever - I can't think of any of my friends who can do that continually for years on end? What I often hear is "When I'm at work, I feel guilty not being around my kids, and when I'm with my kids, I'm thinking I'm behind at work".
I think it's realistic and important to explain to kids from a young age what you said here, "My children are my greatest joy in life, and parenthood is my most important calling.
And yet, I’m passionate about my creative work, too. My work makes me a better human being and a better mother, and I do it for my children".
Thanks for this review of Haidt's new book. It sounds great and very timely. I look forward to reading it and sharing it with my students.