I wish this phrase was true for me, "I'm a big kid now." If I was a "big kid" wouldn't I just be a taller version of my children? Wouldn't I get excited about playing, wrestling, dressing up and pretending? I realized today that I have lost a lot of my ability to just "play". Jacob (our oldest) asked me to play with him today, he wanted me to pretend that I was a dinosaur and he was a horse (Crazy imagination, I know). I was really trying hard to get into character, but I just couldn't. I tried to make my voice deep, and walk with slow heavy steps, but in all reality I could only keep it going 2 minutes max. I then started thinking about when we lose our ability to play like children? Jacob could do this for hours, he could make up a character and act it out, especially if he is in water. I don't get it, I used to love playing on the floor with kids. I babysat since I was 12 and I was always playing on the floor and making things up with kids. I was a kindergarten teacher that loved doing art projects and pretending things. Why then, does it seem so hard now? I thought it would be easier with my own children. All I could think about was the laundry in the washing machine, the dirty dishes, dinner, nap time, checking the bank account, and the list goes on. I felt so bad for Jacob and Isabelle that I couldn't get into character for longer and make it really fun for them.
So, where does our childlikeness go? Or I guess a better questions is, where did MY childlikeness go? Am I the only one who struggles with this? I feel like I'm turning into a constant grouchy momwho spends the day watching for opportunities to discipline and correct their behavior. I really don't like myself lately. Does anyone have a way that I can find that fun mom who loves games, playing, tickling, pretending, and making life more exciting because I can't seem to find her.
Hi Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteI happened upon your blog one night by clicking the next button and found lots of familiar stuff.
I am from MN too, my hubby too, but now we live in Oklahoma. We graduated from a Bible college here, hence another common thing, we are Christians too.
Perkins, man, I miss Perkins. Sounds like you guys had a great time.
you can "check" me out at http://wearevictorious.blogspot.com
I totally know what you are talking about with the kids. It is so difficult to think about just taking time out of everything a mother has/wants to do and just play. I found it easier to just take one hour every day and hoop it up so to say. And just have fun. It was hard at first, but gets easier as it goes.
Glad to meet you!
Oh Steph, I almost cried when I read this. I have the same feelings, almost daily. My kids want me to pretend and I try sooo hard, but somewhere in the back of my mind I'm always hearing "what about the laundry, the dishes, the toilet that need scrubbing,..." I don't want to sound sexist, but do you think this is a woman thing? You always hear about how men can focus in on one thing and let the rest go. I have never been able to do this. I always have 15 things running through my head at any given time.
ReplyDeleteStephanie - Great thoughts. Thank you for the honesty and transparency. Your struggle is a struggle even us dads face. Thanks for challenging me. I am working on playing more this week. You also inspired us to post about this same subject. Thanks!
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