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Eye illustration with text 'MAGIC WATCHING (KIDS)' and coffee mug icon

Magic · Daily Grind

Watching (Kids)

Definition

If you have a little one, then you know that having eyes on your child is endless at the baby/toddler stage. Older children need watching, too, like preventing your ten-year-old from spraying WD-40 all over the living room when he mistakes it for air freshener (true story), or walking by your teen’s bedroom door constantly to make sure it’s open while a “friend” is over. Good news: It’s amazing what can happen when you put down your phone and really watch your kids. Watching a one-year-old may feel uneventful, but this is when you witness your child’s first steps! Depending on what time of day you hold this card and the age of your child, you may also be responsible for taking the lead on a number of other cards, such as “diapering and potty training,” “bedtime routine,” “meals” “transportation (kids),” and “tidying up.” (If you build a fort in your living room while you’re on “watch,” then it’s only fair that you break it down and tidy up before re-dealing this card to your spouse or other caregivers.)

Conception

The kids have school

Planning

BABY/TODDLER

  • Every minute (other cards you may be holding: “Morning Routine,” “Fun & Playing,” various “Meals,” “Diapering & Potty Training,” “Transportation,” “Bathing & Grooming (Kids),” “Extracurricular,” “Bedtime Routine”)

ELEMENTARY

  • (other cards you may be holding: “Morning Routine,” “Fun & Playing,” various “Meals,” “Discipline & Screen Time,” “Transportation,” “Bathing & Grooming (Kids),” “Friendship & Social media,” “Extracurricular,” “Bedtime Routine”)

TEENAGER

  • (other cards you may be holding: “Morning Routine,” “Fun & Playing,” various “Meals,” “Discipline & Screen Time,” “Transportation,” “Bathing & Grooming (Kids),” “Friendship & Social Media” (extra sensitive if a “friend” is more than a friend), “Extracurricular”)

Execution

  • Executing the plan for watching with full attention

Minimum Standard of Care

When under your watch, is the child safe, appropriately fed, and are you reasonably present and spending time on activities consistent and intentionally aligned with your family standards?