"separation anxiety". Augh. Why is your child feeling separation anxiety? So you as the mom can have "your time". The whole "me time" thing is another topic for another day but you won't get any support from me on that one either. I believe we are to lay our lives down for our friends and especially for our children. I digress. Back to why would your child(ren) be feeling separation anxiety? Why is it so important for the mom, you Mom, to leave your precious child in the hands of people that obviously aren't that close to your child that said child doesn't want to stay with them? You going to work? Going to a Bible study? Going shopping? Sending child off so you can have "quality" time in church?
The longer I live the more I see how time FLIES by. It truly does seem like those years with little ones will last forever. Those years do seem never ending, totally overwhelming at times, but honestly the season does pass. I am amazed how the kids grow and you can NEVER get those precious little kid years back. Even as a homeschooling mom, I don't think we have enough hours in the day, weeks, or years to do all I wish we could. I still feel like we could have more "time" together and we are together a lot.
I can't encourage you enough to enjoy your children while you can. Don't practice independence yet. Be the mom. Bring the children with you. Help them learn how to behave so they aren't a nuisance when you go out, or even when you are at home. If you are frustrated with your people you will want to get away from each other. If you all are getting along you will want to be with each other. Lest I sound like life can be perfect, there will always be times when you are wondering what your options are, I pray that those times are the exception to the rule, not a way of life. I pray that you as a whole enjoy this season with your whole heart. Even if you have a rough night you don't have to a bad day. Even if the morning had a hard start, the afternoon can be glorious!
Our culture encourages independence. I think the Word of God encourages us to be dependent on the Holy Spirit and need each other. I think we are supposed to be "keepers at home," "love our children and our husbands". Just because you use a caregiver for your children doesn't mean you don't love them but if it is a concept you haven't evaluated in light of the Word of God and have only followed the norm of our culture I challenge you to reevaluate.
I honestly took all my kids shopping for those first twelve years of having children. We went to the bank, all of us, almost every day. We had our own business and I was the "chief bank runner", smile. It can be done. It isn't the number of kids that makes this a possibility or not. I was determined to have my people with me. I had brainwashed myself that I wanted to be the number one influence in their lives. I wanted them to know my worldview. I want to teach them the ways of the Lord as we sat at the table and walked by the paths. If I could do it, and I have zero patience, (I have seven children that will tell you that) you can too!!!!
Children are a blessing.
xxoo Pam