Let them play…without you
With winter upon us, the two most dreaded words for parents are SNOW DAY. We know that means coming up with crafts, meals, activities, games, and more just to keep our kids entertained. That’s what we have to do, right? We have to come up with ways to keep our kids stimulated, energized, learning, and happy. Only…we don’t.
The wonderfully insightful Lenore Skenazy (of Free Range Kids) argues that we’re overdoing it. Our kids don’t need us to jump through hoops to keep them entertained. Let THEM do it themselves.
You must play with your kids is so ingrained that we feel terrible when we’re bored sick by the idea of pouring another imaginary cup of tea. But maybe, like most pain, that boredom is trying to tell us something: Kiddie games are for KIDS. They really don’t need us!
No one is saying to neglect your kids. There are times for museums, classes, swim lessons, and games of Chutes and Ladders with Dad. However, it’s also important to let children do their own thing without an adult giving direction. Sometimes we forget that.
So, thanks to Lenore for the reminder!
chanson Said,
February 19, 2010 @ 1:20 pm
No danger there — I’ve never been one to stress about finding activities for my kids.
We have worse than a snow-day: my kids school is currently on vacation, and we couldn’t find other childcare in time, so my husband and I are taking turns taking time off from work (and/or working from home) to watch them.
And these kids are pros and coming up with their own imaginative play! We take them out for walks and errands (plus we ensure that they’re doing their homework assignments), but aside from that, our role has been more that of audience, when the kids come up with something they want to show us!
Sverre Said,
March 6, 2010 @ 8:15 am
Coming from Norway, I’d like to point out that snow day is the perfect time for the kids to get out of the house and play!