Let's Play

MY HANDS WERE BUSY

My hands were busy through the day.
I didn’t have much time to play.
The little games you asked to do,
I didn’t have much time for you.
I’d wash your clothes. I’d sew and cook.
You’d ask and I’d read from your book.
I’d tuck you in all safe at night,
And hear your prayers; turn out the light.

Then tiptoe softly by your door,
I wish I’d stayed a minute more.
For life was short, the years rushed past,
A little boy grows up so fast.
No longer is he at my side,
His precious secrets to confide.
The picture books are put away.
There are no longer games to play.

No Teddy Bears or misplaced toys
No sleepovers with lots of boys.
No goodnight kiss, no prayers to hear.
That all belongs to yesteryear.
My hands, once busy, now are still.
The days are long and hard to fill.
I wish I could go back and do
The little things you asked me to do.

Children and Adolescents who play with their parents are...

1. less likely to engage in "risky" behaviors
2. develop better physical health
3. have emotional and social advantages over those who do not.
4. can be as well or better prepared academically than their peers whose free time is highly structured.

Piggyback Rides and Slippery Slides ~ Allred


http://illinoisearlylearning.org/tipsheets/importanceofplay.htm
http://www.aap.org/pressroom/playFINAL.pdf


A wise person taught me to let kid's use up the space. Move on when they are done exploring. It's good for adults to relax. Today we looked for 4 leaf clovers instead of hurrying along to our next errand. It only added 15 minutes to our outing but gave us a lovely calm moment.
Doing everything is a challenge and beating ourselves up isn't productive. If we eliminate the extras we can make time for the good stuff. Children probably won't want to play with us forever so let's enjoy it. Let's Play more! Best Wishes!