I heard the disapproving cluck, but ignored it. My eyes were buried in the messages on my phone while my ears were firmly planted next to the mouth of a certain 7-year old. She was using up all of the words, and I was taking in every one of them.
The cluck grew louder and ripped my attention from where it belonged. "Parents these days. All they do is stare at their phones and ignore their kids." The little old lady with the silver curls went on and on to the man who sat across the table. If it's possible to figure such things out by how effortlessly he ignored her, they were married and have been for many years.
I smiled to myself knowing that she was passing judgement without really having a clue. I was texting back and forth with the husband about something super important involving the little person seated from me. I am capable of carrying on a text conversation while still listening to the high-pitched excitement only a 7-year old can deliver. I knew Alexis was positive I was listening, so all was good.
But it did make me think about how it really didn't matter what I was doing. Even if I had been playing a game on my phone or surfing the internet or whatever, that doesn't mean it was an hour wasted. It means that I have an entire world of information available at my fingertips just like *that*.
The main thing I find with that whole "the entire world is in my hands" reality is that it makes me a better parent.
Yes, it does. Really. Truly. Honestly.
I didn't figure out that some arguments with short people aren't worth having all on my own. I had the help of bloggers with kids older than mine.
I learned to not count to three, but rather to expect obedience the first time I make a request from another blogger who had already proven her theory correct. If you stop counting and start dealing repercussions the first time you ask, kids stop waiting to see if you really mean it before they comply.
I find patience in knowing that others sometimes have less-than-stellar days, but that it's all worth it if you look for the little things.
The wise words, "You don't have to attend every argument you are invited to" found their way to me via another smart woman.
I've learned patience, understanding, appreciation, and so much more from all of the people who leave their words where others can read them. I've even learned a few things about what not to do, but we won't go into details about that.
The fact of the matter is that the internet makes me a better parent. It teaches me the lessons I need to learn.
Alexis knows it. That's what matters.
