Do Not Let Your Daughter Watch “The Bachelor”

What kind of a mom would allow their daughter to watch the TV show The Bachelor? Would a conscientious attentive parent allow their child to watch a show with kissing, gossip, and a man dating multiple women at one time? It is nothing short of a modern day harem.

What kind of a mom would turn a deaf ear and ignore a watchful eye and permit such a thing?

Me. I am that kind of a mom.

We live in a busy world. What we do with our time matters.

What’s at the top of your priority list? Spending time with my family has always been at the top of mine. Even doing silly things.

I have been watching The Bachelor and The Bachelorette with my daughter since the early days of the show. We watched it together. Feel free to judge me.

We laughed, we talked, we enjoyed being together.

Fast forward, she is married. I am thankful I always made mother/daughter time a priority. Now she puts time aside for mom, even though Mom is not nearly as fun as her new husband.

When we spend time with our kids – just doing fun things – it opens doors to serious conversations. When we put time aside for our kids, it tells them they are valuable.

Think about your week. Is there any margin time? Is there any margin time for your kids?

Time to talk. Time to stop for ice cream. Time to watch a fun TV show.

When was the last time you laughed with your child? I can remember taking my son, who was a teenager at the time, out for lunch. I don’t remember the details exactly, but I was relaying a funny story about my childhood. We both got caught up in a laughing frenzy. Which continued throughout our lunch. We weren’t at a fancy restaurant, it was one of the cheapest lunches ever. We stopped at the Costco Food Court and had a fantastic time over hot dogs and pizza! Laughing and talking. While seated under an umbrella, an older gentleman stopped by our “elegant” table. I was afraid we were being too loud and prepared myself for some curt words. But to my delight, he said, “ I love seeing you laugh together. It is not often you see parents having this much fun with their kids.”

Yes, do not allow your daughter to watch The Bachelor WITHOUT YOU!

When the time came that my daughter was heading toward one of the most important decisions of her life, there was no laughing involved, no silliness, no casual contemplating. When she began dating her now husband she told me very early on, “Mom, I’m sure.” She knew he was the one she wanted to spend her life with. And here’s the magic moment: She talked with me about it. Do you want to be a part of the serious conversations with your kids? Take time for the “silly stuff.”

Listen to what is happening in your child’s world. Listen for their heart.

Time builds trust.

Spend time with someone you love today. Do you need to show love by setting time aside for the most important people in your life?

Until we talk again, love someone with your time. Laugh. Be silly. Love.