Sometimes I dread it. Just like exercise and going outside on cold days. But every time I do take that time to get on the ground and find something fun to do, I feel like a good mom. I go to sleep knowing that it was a good day…and I completed my mission. I love that feeling!
And my kids respond to me playing with them…they are happier, and more centered and less whiny and more (not less!) apt to entertain themselves. If a particular week is a tough one, (especially when I had 3 little ones), you know…one of those weeks when you feel like you are doing something “wrong”…you just don’t know what yet and you are at Wit’s End? I’d make a conscious effort to PLAY.
Just us…play groups don’t count, friends over doesn’t count…just mom and kid(s).
And you know what? After a couple days…behavior changed. It was sort of miracle cure. I felt it was some sort of secret.
I can’t imagine playing with them for hours and hours. Really….I have 5 children! I don’t think it would be good for them to constantly demand that I be a playmate to them. But getting them started with something, by showing an active interest and leading them into creativity…that’s my job as a mom, I feel. Whether it’s Legos, or Polly Pockets (sniff sniff…a thing of the past…I loved those things!), or coloring books, or puzzles…they didn’t seem to care…they just wanted ME showing an interest, quietly work side by side.
Like that Lego village Patrick, Andrew and I built? I’m pretty proud of it.
~ Sarah
orsoshesays says
It’s so true! It can be so hard to let go of our cares, ignore the messy house, and just PLAY…but, it can do wonders and the effects last a lot longer than a clean house 🙂 Thanks for your insight, I love posts like this!
Jessica Farmer says
I never really thought of it from that perspective. I will definitely be trying this out! thanks for the insight!
thepercycrew says
Thank you I needed to hear that today. It was a rough one. I am a SAHM of a 7,5,3, and 5 month old. I know this works, but I seem to forget. I’m going to try to do this more because I know you’re right, everyone will be happier.
Thetorresfamily says
This is what I love about moms who blog, thanx for reminding me of what is imortant.
Amanda says
Miss Sarah, Thank you so much for this entry!! I have been learning a lot about how to be a better mom and have come a lot closer to the mom I want to be, but I just felt like there has been something not quite there yet. Wondering about that very thing before I went to bed, I had a dream that I thought about all day yesterday. Now today, here’s this fabulous post filling that gap I recognized but didn’t know what to do about! Thanks for sharing your talent!
Emsteranne17 says
Thank you for this post. I would love more ideas about how to “play” with my children. I have a 2 year old and a 2 month old. This is my first time with a toddler and since he doesn’t have any siblings old enough to play with he is always pestering me. Since I am fairly new to this mommy thing I tend to want to fill my days with the stuff that I did before I had kids like watch TV or surf the net or go out to lunch with the girls. It is hard for me to want to play with my toddler, though I feel like such a better mom when I do. I just need some ideas. I think, “okay, let’s do something fun or creative and then I am at a loss.” I would love it if you could post some toddler activity ideas.