The funny thing - or maybe the best thing - about having a blog for this long (damn near 3 years) is that I can look back and see patterns. Patterns of my kids' behavior and patterns of my own reactions.
So, because I am feeling a little hyper-focused on what the kids need to be doing (before Kindergarten next year, before therapy stops for the summer, before whatever...), I have needed this post as a reminder to settle down. And when I feel that way, it is usually the case that one of you all is feeling the same way. Hence, the repost.
And the wish for all of you to have a good week - one that has less to do with running to therapy, aruging over homework, or squabbling over whether or not today is a 'hair wash day' - and more to do with enjoying each other.
And now the post....
"Let The Kids Be Kids"
I have come back to this post a dozen or so times in the last two weeks. "Just Be Mom or Dad" was its original title, but really it is about letting kids be kids.
So, because I am feeling a little hyper-focused on what the kids need to be doing (before Kindergarten next year, before therapy stops for the summer, before whatever...), I have needed this post as a reminder to settle down. And when I feel that way, it is usually the case that one of you all is feeling the same way. Hence, the repost.
And the wish for all of you to have a good week - one that has less to do with running to therapy, aruging over homework, or squabbling over whether or not today is a 'hair wash day' - and more to do with enjoying each other.
And now the post....
Just because your child is challenging, doesn’t mean that you aren’t still his parent. Spend the weekend with your case-manager, social-worker, education-consultant, medical-scheduler, worry-wart, and future-predictor hats on a shelf, and just be your child’s parent for the day. Reconnecting with the parts of our kids that are the most fun, special, and awe-inspiring often gets left off the never-ending to do list in the hustle of the day to day management of all of their needs – choose this weekend to honor who they really are and let them be kids!
Here are my straightforward and simple parenting reminders – nothing new here folks! – just trying to get you in the right mind set for a weekend spent enjoying your child!
Please add your favorite kid-centric weekend activity in the comments below!
1. Let them eat dessert
2. Play an old fashioned board game
3. Teach them something you loved as a kid
4. Bake cookies
5. Laugh about when they were a baby
6. Make a mud puddle
7. Play the, “Remember when … “ game
8. Recall favorite vacations
9. Just listen
10. Read together
11. Remember to SMILE when your child walks in the room – they need to know you missed them
12. Lead with the positive
13. Go through old photos
14. Be playful – every moment doesn’t have to be a teaching moment
15. Skip rocks – or just throw them in the lake!
16. Allow your child a mental health day; they have as much stress as we do
17. Play dress up – YOU TOO!
18. Compliment them
19. Remind them of their of past successes
20. Watch a movie
21. Go bowling
22. Talk about your hopes for the future
23. Let them pick what to make for dinner
24. Make ice cream sundaes
25. Reward them for just being themselves
And have fun!
5 comments:
I needed that today--thank you.
You are very welcome - glad you liked it. :)
Let them explore the ditch!
I have had my blog for almost 2 years. I love the trends and patterns I've noticed. It keeps me from feeling like I'm going crazy.
This is soo true! Kids need to be kids! And moms get to be moms! Enjoy your kids.. they grow so fast.
I would add to the list... relax and let your child lead what to play with. Get down on the floor and follow their lead!
Love this. Well-said. Glad you decided to repost.
Post a Comment