Rosie's blog: Active Parenting

I am stealing a week with my two sons on the slopes in Austria and thoroughly enjoying their antics in the snow. I don’t want to impress upon them too strongly how fortunate they are to be here in the beautiful Alps without a care, but this is a huge benefit of having a job which does (most of the time) permit a holiday now and then.

It is a chance for them to enjoy the benefit of a week of silliness, of perseverance, of new friends and most of all for the three of us to spend some time together doing something we love. Enjoying activities together is probably one of the common threads of many of our positive experiences as well as our beneficial routines. My children inevitably drag their heels getting kit of any kind together and sometimes seem to be “missing” a sense of readiness (one of my sons especially can be relied upon to always forget something, today it was gloves), but their overall positivity seems to improve when asked about their experiences. Sure, they may never say to their long-suffering parents “I love swimming/hockey/netball/rugby/tennis”, but when asked by another grown-up, they will be effusive on the enjoyment they derive from being busy and active.

It’s a challenge for working parents to keep up with these things and even to set aside time to do things together sometimes feels unachievable or actually too much effort. Forgiving myself for efforts not made sometimes is more worthwhile than any bike ride or tear-soaked family “fun” swim. But there are benefits to activities too. They can instill a sense of achievement and some confidence to try things and practice in order to succeed.

Meanwhile, one gets a chance to watch the glorious process of one’s children growing up. Perhaps preparing me for the inevitable fact that they will soon be streaking far ahead (not just on the piste) and taking some tumbles along the way. I just hope that they get up and brush themselves off with a smile as they do.

Rosie is a partner in a City law firm with two sons aged 8 and 9. She is a single parent and works at her office in the City and at home.