Can you spot us in the Fisher-Price ‘Poem to Your Child’ Video? Warning: It’s a tear jerker!

I think as parents we all have regrets.  I certainly have some of my own and the biggest is that I went back to work when Keira turned 1.  It was out of necessity at that point but it is still something I regret doing very much.  My heart wasn’t in it anymore, I missed my baby girl and more importantly I was missing out on major milestones with her because of it.  I missed the first time she walked and I missed her first word. While the daycare worker tried her best to pretend Keira wasn’t doing those things at daycare first, the other kids gave it away.  I went from spending all day with her to spending an hour doing dinner and a bath before putting her down for bed.  Playtime with her was restricted to exhausted weekends.  I was heartbroken.

After I was laid off during my pregnancy with Ava I was determined not to have to go through all that again.   With a lot of hard work and long days I have been blessed with the opportunity to stay home with both my girls and make an income.  I am as happy now as I was heartbroken then; I get to see them grow and learn and play.  Just the other day I witnessed Ava take her first step alone at 13 months old and it was the most amazing feeling and it really affirmed the choices I made.

My biggest wish for my girls, like most mothers, I suspect, is to just be happy and confident no matter where they are or what they are doing.  I want to make sure they have only the best memories of childhood and of course me to look back on.  Childhood is so short but it has a very real impact on who a child grows up to be and It’s important for me that I enable them to live to their full potential.

Back in late fall Keira and I answered a casting call for a Fisher Price video.  I didn’t know what it would be about, I just knew we were going to be asked to play together with toys we already know and love.  I also knew I would need to read something.  In all honesty, I am pretty introverted and situations like that make me incredibly anxious but all I could think about was the amazing opportunity this could be for Keira.  If nothing else I thought it would be a fun and unique experience for her and a great opportunity for a little one on one time. It’s amazing what you can force yourself to do for your children.

I was shocked when we were called back to shoot the video but super excited for Keira.  What an opportunity!

Everything that goes on behind the scenes was really interesting to take in from having wardrobe selected for us, having my hair and makeup done right down to the actual shoot.  I was definitely anxious on set at first but it only took a few minutes for us to be able to get into our natural play mode.  We got to play together.  What could be more natural?  I found myself quickly caught up in her big dimpled smile and easy laughter and almost forgot the cameras just a few feet away.

But then I was asked to read a poem and I found myself having a difficult time fighting back the strong emotions evoked by the powerful reminder to make the time to spend with my girls creating new memories both they and myself will cherish our whole lives. It’s so easy. and trust me I know as a self-employed work at home mom how easy it is, to focus on our jobs, and getting things done rather than stopping to savour the moments that really matter.I invite you to take in the video and really listen to ‘Poem to Your Child’.  Just remember to grab some tissue first!

 Fisher-Price Time To Play Twitter Party hosted by ParentsCanada

Please join Fisher-Price and ParentsCanada January 29th at 1 p.m. EST for a heartwarming chat about playtime with our kids to celebrate the launch of Fisher-Price’s new video “Poem to Your Child.”

Join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #FPMakeTimeToPlay for your chance to WIN great Fisher-Price prizes, including one of three (3) $75 prize packs and one (1) $150 prize pack.

No RSVP is required, simply follow the hashtag #FPMakeTimeToPlay on Twitter and share your favourite playtime memories!  I hope to see you there!

How do you make the time to play?

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Fisher Price howevert all thoughts, sentiment and opinions are honest and all my own.  I hope you enjoy the video.

Elizabeth Lampman

Elizabeth Lampman is a coffee-fuelled Mom of 2 girls and lives in Hamilton, Ontario. She enjoys travelling, developing easy recipes, crafting, taking on diy projects, travelling and saving money!