Pure Free-Play Moment

Details: Published on Saturday, 16 March 2013 19:21

Pure Free-Play Moment

By Shara Lawrence-Weiss

As mentioned in the post Stress Busters for Kids, my husband and I made a choice to leave our living room rather empty. That way, the kids could ride bikes, scooters and roller skates in order to 'get their wiggles out.' We live in the Valley now and if you've ever visited the Phoenix Valley in the dead of summer you know - most people stay indoors! That being the case we wanted our kids to have space to move around, dance to music and so on.

We are currently on Spring Break (it's still cool enough to play outdoors, yes) and my children have been finding ways to self entertain (Ava would be pleased!) in between our trips to the park, jumping on the trampoline with the hose, going for walks, etc.

My husband and I were standing in the kitchen a few nights ago and we heard the kids belly laughing. We turned around to see this:

office chair and hoola hoop

They had grabbed a bike, an old office chair that we allow them to use when playing on their computer, a broken hoola hoop and whallah! They created their own game. Rick and I laughed so hard as we watched them ride and spin. They never went fast enough to get hurt and they had a blast!

Pure Free-Play Moment...

About the Author

Shara is a mother of four and has a background in early childhood, education, freelance, small business ownership and nanny work. She is a Special Education Paraprofessional (K-5th). Shara is especially interested in social emotional development, literacy, play, nature, fostering community and cultivating creativity. In addition to writing for her own sites, Shara currently writes for Wikki Stix, Southern Sitters and Nannies, Market Mommy and more. Visit her new site at Emergent Literacy.

Comments

#9 Ava Parnass Parnass 2013-03-17 16:04

great discussion so glad we are all about what works for kids:)

Quote

#8 Sonya 2013-03-17 15:07

Quoting Ava Parnass Parnass:

Sonya I agree with you...its caring about what works for kids! I didnt plan it either but my house is the same, and not because kids rule the roost but because kids play rules!!
kids call it the play house(lol) Shara I bet its the same for yours

I agree. I think it can be difficult to get balance in anything but it is nice to be able to enjoy family life. It really does make a difference.

Quote

#7 Sonya 2013-03-17 15:03

Quoting Shara - site owner:

Sonya - That's an interesting observation... We were all more stressed out and less happy when our home was cluttered and we had to say, "Don't touch that! Stop! No!" We were a NO home and we wanted to be a YES home... I view it as: doing what works best for our family so everyone is less stressed out. I hope that makes sense.

Totally agree. It's funny actually as my mom said leave everything in place they need to learn "no" ... They do need to learn but in every day life I think we need to adapt. If that means as parents we adapt to our kids then so be it. Why make your days consist of constant "No's" when we can have fun. We have plenty of years left once they get older to put our ornaments back!

Quote

#6 Ava Parnass Parnass 2013-03-17 10:07

Sonya I agree with you...its caring about what works for kids! I didnt plan it either but my house is the same, and not because kids rule the roost but because kids play rules!!
kids call it the play house(lol) Shara I bet its the same for yours

Quote

#5 Shara - site owner 2013-03-17 10:03

Sonya - That's an interesting observation. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We donated most of our furniture and it was one of the best choices we've ever made. We were all more stressed out and less happy when our home was cluttered and we had to say, "Don't touch that! Stop! No!" We were a NO home and we wanted to be a YES home. We wanted our kids to have space for movement because it helps them relax which in turn - helps us relax. Our home is basically set up in Centers like a Preschool: art area, sitting area, reading area, play area, outdoor area, technology area, etc. I don't view that as allowing my kids to control our space. I view it as: doing what works best for our family so everyone is less stressed out. I hope that makes sense.

And we never actually told our kids, "Hey - we are doing this because you rule the roost!" We just did it and said nothing. It was a natural transition and they adapted easily to the open spaces. Like a month to a flame...

Quote

#4 Shara - site owner 2013-03-17 09:54

Ava - I'm going to write a new post soon about "Why I'm no longer a Helicopter Parent." I think you'll really like it! :lol:

Once upon a time I had a small room dedicated to play things and my son was only allowed to play there - where I could direct everything. My FIRST child, of course, yes. Poor kid. He's a teen now and we laugh about what a dork I was! Things are so different now and my younger kids are free to be who they need to be, to play and laugh, to direct their own play times (many days), to create and sing and dance and make messes. And boy are they less stressed than my first born was! That was my fault I know. Post coming soon...

Quote

#3 Sonya 2013-03-17 09:39

Great picture! Some say that you shouldn't let your kids dictate your home but when I see something like that I think it shows that parents care and don't just kick them out of their space. I love it!

Quote

#2 Ava Parnass 2013-03-17 08:23

Ha ha still laughing such a great picture!!

Quote

#1 Ava 2013-03-17 08:15

Shara I love this post, ha ha ! I love free play, I love the ideas that kids come up with! Thanks for mentioning me as you know playing with kids is one of my favorite things!

I too made my living room the playroom:) what's the point of the perfect living room when you have kids!!
I love them pulling that chair, we also use the chair as a merry-go-round as a wheelchair when we play doctor and as a car to drive(lol)

We have a trampoline and a swing all packed into what should be our living room!

A child once said oh my omg I love this apartment my mother would hate it(lol)
The biggest compliment is when kids love to come over and play.

And I want to come over to your house and play so I think we are on the same play page !

Quote

Refresh comments list
RSS feed for comments to this post