Balancing Work and Play
Working hours have become a constant exercise in negotiation
My son’s nursery is closed for the week due to a confirmed COVID case.
He’s fine; we’re all fine.
Just like the months of lockdown in the first semester, I am trying to see this as an opportunity to spend more quality time with him. Very few things in life can beat the sheer joy of playing with a toddler.
Working hours, however, have become a constant exercise in negotiation. It turns out my son is quite good at it.
— Why are you not helping me with the jigsaw puzzle?
— Daddy is working now. I’ll help you as soon as I finish this.
— You can help me for one minute and then you can continue working.
— I can’t now. Why don’t you play with something else in the mean time?
— I want to play with this. You can help me for two minutes.
— I just told you, son, I…
— Can we play for five minutes?
I decided to cut my losses at five minutes, which turned out to be fifteen when all was said and done.
When I went back to work, I felt refreshed. I also managed to complete all the tasks I had set out to do today.
Productive days do not have to be joyless.
I am glad my son can teach me to find time to play.
