Worth Every Second

To the Editor,

Raising a family in these busy times requires the skills of a juggler and a magician. School, sports, church, social activities, and work commitments flood parents’ calendars each and every week. When do we find the time to be together as a family — without racing off in the car to the next event?

I was reminded of how scarce and precious the time we have with our growing kids is when I attended Newtown Parent Connection’s Parent University last March. I went on the advice of my wife, Jamie, who had attended the first annual Parent University in 2008. Even though we had a typically packed schedule that Saturday morning last March, we knew that one of us had to be there. And I can honestly say it was worth investing every second.

The keynote speaker last year was Norm Bossio, a former teacher, coach, and school superintendent from the Cape Cod area. Norm moved each of us from laughter at one moment to wiping tears from our eyes in the next as we saw ourselves in the stories he told about raising his kids.

I left Parent University inspired and motivated, with a renewed perspective on the important role I play as a parent to my three boys. Over the past year, Jamie and I have continued to discuss and apply many of the things I learned that day.

If you’re a parent looking for inspiration, advice, or just an opportunity to connect with other adults juggling the demands of parenthood, I would encourage you to mark off the morning of March 20, 2010, on your calendar — before it becomes flooded with all those other activities. I’m confident you’ll be glad you did, and I think your kids will, too.

Tim McCleary

Spring Road, Newtown                                             February 26, 2010