Playing with your kids

Well, the kids went back to school today after having 2 weeks off for winter break. In some ways, it's good to be getting back into the routine of things, but I'm also a little homesick for my kids! It was nice sleeping in and spending the days relaxing with the kids. We took long walks with the dog, did some shopping, and played lots of games! The most played games were Sorry, Old Maid, Blokus, Mancala, and Wii.

There were times when my daughter asked me "mom, will you play a game with me?" and I wanted to say "maybe later" or "not right now" but instead I said "sure, what do you want to play?" I'm so glad that I spent so much time playing. We had so much fun and I know that the kids were happy and enjoying their time with me.

It's so easy to say "just a minute" to the kids, but really it's not much time out of your day to sit down and play with your child. I want my kids to look back at their childhoods and remember these times mom and dad spent with them. I want them to remember us being hands on with them. I really think that the attention given to children during play is so important to their self-esteem. Not only is good for them, but it's good for us adults as well. Use that time with them as a de-stresser. Smile, laugh, fool around.

So sit down and play those games with your kids and HAVE FUN doing it!