Children and and do sap whatever energy you have left after a long day at work. So get around this, one must box smart these days so I choose to combine both. I spend time with my children doing the stuff I like to do - killing two birds with one stone.
At the time of writing, I have a four year old 'teenager' and an 18 month old. I allow them to get involved with my work to a certain extent. They learn how to handle and respect tools and more importantly, learn what their boundaries are. They are taught not to handle any tool when I'm not around and the toolboxes are always locked.(Luckily, I found a few padlocks with keys when I was clearing out my mum's place some time ago).
I am slowly learning the difference between spending time around my children and actually spending time with them. Being at home and just being present is not good enough. I have chosen to spend time WITH them also. We spend a lot of time playing, learning new skills, they work-out with my wife and I, we pray together and they 'do all the repairs in the house, while I help'. A good friend, Anthony Morris shared an invaluable bit of wisdom with me. He said children mimic their parents and that's the absolute truth. The pictures speak for themselves.
