![]() ![]() When we prioritize them, they feel loved. ![]() When children invite us to play with them, they notice when we stop working, reading our book, or visiting with a friend to say “yes.” When we initiate play without them asking, they notice. Playing with them communicates both love and like! That’s why saying “yes” to our children encourages them deeply. I fully recognize you had to think about whether you had the time to read this article. If she liked me more, maybe she’d want to spend time with me.” I wish he wanted to,” and, “My mom tells me to ‘go play,’ but I like playing best with her. I wish they liked me.” They follow this with, “My dad sometimes plays with me, but I don’t think he wants to play my game with me. Children frequently tell me, “My parents have to love me. Some people have said, “Love is spelled T-I-M-E.” To a large extent, that’s true. At a park play area, a young boy’s countenance changed from happy-go-lucky to sad as he shared, “I wish my mom played with me instead of taking pictures of me playing.” I’ve heard this echoed by many, many children throughout the years. One of my saddest encounters with a child occurred when I researched how children believe parents’ phones affect them. Lately, Fred Rogers’ statement, “Play is the work of childhood” hasn’t been true. ![]() Let’s give them a summer to remember, one that they’ll want to look back on. We can’t allow children to be defined by what they lost during the COVID crisis. This summer, let’s give them back their childhood. Having parents close-at-hand but unavailable can be confusing for a child. In addition to typical chores, many cared for siblings and helped their parents, who were distracted and extra busy working from home. They’ve had to work at home, rather than play at home. They’ve had to learn online, isolated from friends. Many children, regardless of age, haven’t been able to live as children during the COVID-19 pandemic. That was more valuable to me than the gift itself.īut it’s the consistency of “little” things that are actually “big.” These experiences, like playing with siblings and parents, school performances, family dinners, and holiday traditions, define childhood for most of us. Buying me my own viola communicated their belief in me. After renting one for a while, my parents knew I was serious about learning how to play and improving my skill. For me, being shocked with the gift of a viola when I was 12 is on my list. What do you think of when you think back to your childhood? Many of us think of the many “little” things that made up quality family time. “I’ve been playing with my kids” is a goal to set and meet. Even when we’re busy-and who isn’t busy-play can be a priority for our children and us. You might be surprised at the power of play. I then asked her, “Didn’t that feel better?” She agreed that it did. I asked her to restate her answer without “Not much” and without the word “just.” With a quizzical look, she obliged. I recently asked a friend what she had been up to and she answered, “Not much. ![]()
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