Sometimes I'm Okay With Unfair

     I recently put my oldest daughter to bed after reading to her for nearly an hour.  We both got caught up in her book, Changes for Samantha.  It was our last book in the series of the now retired American Girl Doll, Samantha.  I thoroughly enjoyed the extra time with my girl who spends most of her days at school.  As a mom of three young children, this was a luxury and one that didn’t come without a price!

     As I read to her, my son kept knocking on her door and begging for my attention despite the fact that my husband had read to him and tucked him in.  My two year old called from her room that she needed me to come tuck her in as well.  I quickly excused myself to go tend to my two other children and then came back to finish the last two pages with my daughter.  I’ll admit that I lowered my voice as I read the rest of the book so that my other two children wouldn’t be reminded that I was spending time with their older sister and not them.   

     The guilt I felt was replaced when I finished the book and my daughter looked at me with a look that was both full of surprise and delight.  She couldn’t believe I’d actually read the entire book to her in one night.  Her eyes sparkled and she continued smiling as I gave her one last kiss goodnight.  It was then I knew that though I may have momentarily upset my other two children, I’d created a precious memory with my oldest daughter.  No, it might not have been fair, but that night, it was right.  And yes, if I’m totally honest, I have to admit that I promised my son the next late night reading session.  We’ll be reading through My Father’s Dragon, perfect for snuggling on a cold night.         

      How do you balance the time you spend with your children?