Spending Quality Time with My Children

In the midst of a hectic routine, it is easy to lose track of time and neglect important aspects of life. Imagine working diligently in the morning, only to find yourself still working overtime, driven by a sense of urgency or the desire to complete tasks efficiently. Alternatively, you may succumb to fatigue and fall asleep in front of your work device, only to wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated the next morning. This cycle of overworking and underworking can continue indefinitely, leading to a sense of neglect and dissatisfaction.

A personal example illustrates this phenomenon. In 2016, I created a Steemit account. Despite the passage of eight years, which feel remarkably short, I have made significant progress on the platform. During these eight years, I have experienced both productive periods and periods of stagnation. While I have made progress, I acknowledge that there have been times when I have prioritized platform activities over other important responsibilities. The ups and downs of the journey are a common occurrence.

In relation to the importance of quality time with family, it is important to acknowledge that not everyone is able to prioritize this aspect of their lives, particularly in urban environments with high workloads and demanding job responsibilities. Individuals often find themselves solely focused on fulfilling their professional obligations, neglecting their personal responsibilities as children and spouses. While basic necessities are essential for survival, the pursuit of happiness and shared experiences often falls by the wayside.

Financial stability is crucial for maintaining a high quality of life, but it is not a sole determinant of happiness. While financial security can provide a sense of comfort and security, it cannot fully satisfy the human need for connection and enjoyment. Happiness, in its essence, is a priceless and intangible human experience that cannot be quantified or purchased.

Drawing upon every experience, I have shifted my perspective, disregarding the notion that money is paramount. Instead, I have adopted a more positive outlook, striving to make the most of each moment spent with my family. While I do not harbour a specific goal of accumulating substantial savings, I recognize that neglecting my family’s well-being is unacceptable. Therefore, I have chosen to pursue a modest income and savings from my current job and the small business I have established.

I make an effort to seize significant moments with my family. For instance, when I am working remotely, I invite them to join me. Below is one of the most valuable moments for their psychological development: I invited them to the provincial capital of Aceh (Blang Padang Field).

This location is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and a wide range of enjoyable activities, including the availability of various attractions and children’s games. I decided to accompany them there. Upon their arrival, they approached one of the establishments that rented electric motorbikes for children.

The rental fee was IDR 20,000 (6 Steem) per 20 minutes. My son preferred sports motorbikes, while my brother consistently selected a scooter-style motorbike, which is commonly used by Indonesian individuals. Surprisingly, this choice proved to be a pleasant experience for them.

Given the brevity of the initial rental period of 20 minutes, I decided to extend it to 40 minutes. I accompanied them as they drove the motorbikes, following their lead.

That evening was particularly enjoyable for our small family. As we strolled through the event, we noticed another booth that was heavily populated with visitors. Approaching it, we discovered a booth dedicated to drawing. My two children expressed a desire to colour, and my daughter opted to colour a portrait of a woman adorned with a hat, while her younger sibling chose to depict the Naruto cartoon character.

The booth’s appearance was both charming and impressive, particularly considering that my son was still developing his coloring skills, while his older sibling had already honed her drawing abilities during playgroup. The primary objective was not the final outcome of their coloring endeavours, but rather the opportunity for my two children to express themselves through their imaginative colour choices.

This pivotal moment, frequently disregarded by parents, exerts a positive influence on their future development, even when seemingly insignificant.

Indonesian, December 23, 2024

Posted by
@irawandedy