I have a very competitive son. Playing competitive sports and games really isn’t my thing. A couple of months ago, my husband was working at a camp for the weekend. We went with him, which was fun, but he was working most of the time so it was me and my kids. My daughter had another little girl to play with, but my son had no one. So I played everything competitive he wanted: air hockey, ping pong, basketball, Foosball, frisbee golf, and on and on and on. I love my son, but playing what he wants to play is exhausting for me. Sometimes I hit a wall and am just done.
However, I try to keep a playful attitude as much as I can and I would encourage you to do the same. Because playing with our children is one of the best ways to build a strong and lasting bond. Here are 6 characteristics that you can develop to become a more playful mom.
1. Available
A playful mom is not over-scheduled to the point where there is no time for play. So leave your list of tasks (and I know there are a million) for later and go play. It’s important that our kids know that we choose relationship over everything else going on.
2. Unselfish
A playful mom puts the needs of her child ahead of herself. Even when she’d rather check out Facebook, she heads back outside for one more game of tag. Put the phone away and step into your child’s world.
3. Enthusiastic
A playful mom injects energy and joy into playing with her child, even when she’s not into the activity. This is something that your kids are passionate about. Encourage it. Take it as an opportunity to get to know what’s in your child’s heart. Focus on the activity your child chooses and be present.
4. Focus
A playful mom puts away her to do lists and focuses on playtime with her kids. Our time with them is short. I know there are a million things we are doing and our to-do lists are overwhelming. But be in the playtime moment. Don’t let your mind wander or be overwhelmed by all that needs to get done. Focus on making playtime with your kids memorable.
5. Flexible
A playful mom lets her child take the lead in choosing and directing activities. She allows room for creativity and imagination and doesn’t insist that everything is done by the book.
6. Silly
A playful mom can forget her age and join her child in fun. Show your child your imagination, creativity, and silliness. Set a goal of making whatever you are playing more fun. Chances are if you do that, you’ll have more fun yourself.
Tell us! What are your child’s favorite things to play?
