Before and after children

There were about a hundred people in my class as I gave a whole day training seminar for a very respected business organization. The talk shifted to history and I asked them what BC in reference to time and calendar stands for and almost everybody in the group answered: “Before Christ” and that was of course the correct answer. And then I asked them what AD stands for and most of them shouted out “After Death” and that answer is not a correct answer. At best it is only half correct.  AD actually stands for the Latin phrase “anno domini” which means “in the year of our Lord.” The B.C. / A.D. dating system is not taught in the Bible. It actually was not fully implemented and accepted until several centuries after Jesus’ death.

Now let’s go to the lighter side of things.

Have you ever heard of the terms BC and AC this time?

BC stands for BEFORE children and AC refers to AFTER children.

And I am pretty sure that parents would agree with the following observations. 

Here are the differences between the two time zones as provided by an experienced mother:

BEFORE children: Going out to dinner meant a romantic candle-lit dinner for two, at an upscale restaurant with a view of the ocean.

AFTER children: Going out to dinner means a fast meal for four served on a tray under a heat lamp with a view of the drive through. 

BEFORE children: Dressing up meant wearing a brand new evening gown with sequins and a low cut back.

AFTER children: Dressing up means wearing my only pre-maternity dress that zips all the way up without the use of body lotion and power tools. 

BEFORE Children: The aroma of expensive perfume wafted through the air.

AFTER Children: The aroma of talcum powder and antibacterial soap permeates the air. 

BEFORE Children: I’d give my true love a sentimental Valentine’s Day card with a personalized message inside.

AFTER Children: I go to the grocery store and buy four boxes of identical cards with Disney characters on the front. 

BEFORE Children: My husband and I would spend the evening holding hands, gazing into each others eyes, or dancing until dawn.

AFTER Children: My husband and I spend the evening scanning the home shopping channel for good late night sales while eating a bag of microwave popcorn, then dozing off on the sofa. 

BEFORE Children: In the evening we’d lay on the rug and hold hands in front of a roaring fire.

AFTER Children: In the evening I collapse on the floor somewhere between the chair and the ottoman because I’m too exhausted from chasing after children and picking up toys to hoist my body into an upright position. 

BEFORE Children: “Sweet nothings” were whispered gently in my ear.

AFTER children: Requests for cups of water are screamed down the stairs. 

BEFORE children: I’d receive a dozen roses or expensive jewelry.

AFTER children: I receive candy hearts and homemade macaroni necklaces. 

BEFORE Children: I spent each day with the person I loved the most.

AFTER Children: I spend each day with the people I love the most. 

Take it from me as a father of three grown up children. Enjoy your kids while you still can and build positive memories.

Takes lot of pictures. Take lots of videos. Spend time with them because these are precious moments that will never come again.

It is interesting to note that the purpose of the BC / AD dating system was to make the birth of Jesus Christ the dividing point of world history.

It is likewise interesting to note that BC and AC should be a reminder that pretty soon, the years will breeze by and the same cute children will grow up and do their own thing.

Don’t let these parenting years get away from you. Your contributions to your children would rank as your greatest accomplishments in life. Enjoy them as they are growing up. And by the way, somebody says: “you know your children are growing up when they stop asking you where they came from and refuse to tell you where they’re going.” 

Francis Kong’s September 4 Culture of Personal Excellence Seminar at SMX Convention Center is just a few days away. VIP and Gold tickets are all sold out, only Silver and Bronze tickets left. For further inquiries contact Inspire Leadership Consultancy Inc. 632-6872614 or 09178511115)