The Importance of Play

There is a fair amount of research and information available on the benefits of play for everyone of all ages, but I had my own experience with it yesterday. Last night Bean was not ready to go to sleep, so I took him to the living room and sat there with him while he entertained himself with his toys.

Bean had pilfered a magnet from somewhere... just a plain strip of wood with magnetic tape on the one side. He started by bringing it to me and passing it backwards and forwards for a while, we then upped the game a little and he started to balance it on my head. I then rested him on my lap and returned the favour. It wasn't wild. There were no squeals of laughter. It was gentle play, soft smiles, and turn-taking. I got to just be with my little guy. And I really enjoyed it.

It got me thinking at how these rare quiet times of enjoyment are the real bonding times.

With the mad scurry of life and the continuous demands, I often feel that I don't get to spend good time with my children. Sometimes I feel as if I am being pulled apart. I just don't seem to have the time to spend bonding with them in a positive way.

I've been wondering how I can cut down on all the other stuff and have more focused time for enjoyment with my boys.

Having three boys in such different age groups makes this just a little more complicated as they enjoy different things, and I can't do some things with everyone present... like play a board game with Bean in the room.

But I definitely need to make a plan to live in the present and enjoy my boys for who they are.