Updated: July 21, 2017
Originally Published: Jan. 13, 2014
Last week, I experienced a moment that could have had devastating consequences for my daughter.
It was an ordinary week—my partner had been away for most of the month, and, whether we liked it or not, my children and I had settled into a routine that revolved around school and activities. As the day progressed, the tension in our home escalated, peaking around 6 p.m. It was then that I took my kids upstairs to prepare for bedtime.
My daughter had complained of an upset stomach throughout the day, but I dismissed it, noting that she was still her cheerful self, albeit tired. With bedtime still an hour and a half away, I placed her in the bath, started filling the tub, and briefly stepped out to get my son ready for his shower. This had become a common practice for me; my daughter was nearing four years old, and I felt more at ease leaving her alone in the tub. However, the challenge of managing both kids’ bath times simultaneously often led me to rush through the process. I loved them dearly, but exhaustion weighed heavily on me. Bath time had morphed into yet another item on an endless checklist, leaving me careless.
In those fleeting moments, I glanced at my phone and noticed a notification from a friend. There was no urgency in responding, yet I felt compelled to engage immediately, which ultimately distracted me from my daughter.
In those two minutes, everything changed. When I returned, I discovered that she had fallen asleep in the warm water, leaning against the tub’s side. It was a sight I had never witnessed before. Fortunately, she was still breathing, but the reality of the situation hit me hard. Had I returned just seconds later, she could have drowned. The weight of that thought was unbearable.
In a panic, I called her name and gently shook her awake. Although she stirred, she remained largely unaware of the gravity of what had just transpired. I carried her to her room, where I stood in silence, absorbing the relief and terror of the moment. About 15 minutes later, she woke up—wet, refreshed, and ready to play—completely oblivious to the peril she had narrowly avoided.
This incident served as a stark reminder of how easily we can lose focus in our fast-paced lives. The cultural shift towards constant multitasking has affected my ability to concentrate on a single task. As a parent navigating the digital age, I find myself often distracted, and on that night, my lack of attention could have cost me dearly.
The modern world bombards us with messages urging us to maximize our efficiency. We juggle homework, extracurriculars, social media, and countless other obligations each day. But in striving to accomplish more, we risk losing the essence of being present. When we compartmentalize our lives into tasks, we may never truly engage with any of them, creating a disconnect between our physical presence and mental focus.
This experience was a wake-up call. Moving forward, I plan to embrace a slower pace, understanding that it’s okay for tasks to take longer if it means being more engaged.
Distracted living can have serious repercussions, as illustrated by my near miss. It’s vital to be mindful of the moments we have and to prioritize being present, not only for our own well-being but for those we love.
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Summary
This article discusses the dangers of distracted living, particularly as a parent in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world. A near-tragic incident during bath time serves as a wake-up call about the importance of being present and engaged with our children. The author reflects on how the constant push for multitasking can lead to serious consequences and emphasizes the need to slow down and focus on the moment.
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