"Play wid me, Mom," says Little C 50 billion times a day, each time looking up at me with big puppy eyes and patting the floor next to him.
I have never been a very good imaginative player. Just ask my siblings or the friends I grew up with. As a child I would excuse away my friends who wanted to play dolls (remember, Erika?) and suggest bikes or swings instead. I've always been happier doing something productive and tangible.
So it has been a particular challenge being a mom to little kids who want to play with dolls or cars.
"Talk with them mom," Little C says, trying to encourage my play.
"What do you want them to say?" I ask.
And then we both stare at each other blankly for a few minutes in silence. After a while I get up, saying I need a drink of water or to answer the phone. And we start all over again.
"Play wid me, Mom."
DH is great at the imaginative play. He can sit on the ground for hours, constructing roadways, conversing in carspeak, and entertaining our little ones. Oh, how I wish I had his talent! Because I really do want the kids to remember a mom that played with them instead of one at the computer or too busy with housework to take the time.
"Play wid me, Mom," he says looking at my hopefully.
I'm trying buddy. Really I am.
Any suggestions on how to make playtime more fun (for me and him)? How do you play with your kids?
7 comments:
I'm exactly the same way when Harry asks me to play "mommy dinosaur and baby dinosaur" with his little dino figures. I usually say stuff like "ok, mommy dinosaur is going to take a nap now."
ooo, I was sooo hoping for advice already from the comment crowd. I SO hate playing with my kids! Isn't that awful? Count me in the flunkie crowd too. I'll check back later to see if anyone has any great ideas.
Oh, wait - once upon a time I had a great idea, when I was too tired to get off the couch and Jadon wanted to play - I told him I was "sick" and he needed to be the doctor and fix me. My ailments changed from tummy ache, to sore knee, etc. for almost 20 minutes (all while lying on the couch) before he wanted a turn to be the patient.
Lazy I know, but it worked.
I think we all need to start a club because I had no idea that there are so many that feel the same way I do. I do not imagine or play with my kids. I encourage them to play with each other but I am not the one to come to. I guess that we need to break out and try but frankly isn't that why you have more kids. so you can get things done. The more posts I read of yours makes me realize how alike we are.
hahaha
El's room looks the same way (car dealership).
Finally inacting our own similar scenario, I had a brainstorm! 'Just reinact all the auto accidents you have been in!'
Worked like a charm... "Elliot, see this little silver Hyundai, well, it was driving too fast in the rain one day. Look out! A cement truck! #%^&CRASH!!@#%$"
E was super impressed. We played rainy day crashing for like 35 WHOLE minutes! I know, impressive.
I really stink at it, which makes me sad because I was always so upset with my parents for stinking at it. I guess it is genetic ;)
I totally understand! I think most of us are the same way. So, I've started buying them toys for their birthdays and such that I like too. We bought a marble tower a few years ago, I love playing legos with them, building train tracks, puzzles, anything building I guess. But now when I buy toys, I try to think if it's something I would play with them too.
This is funny because I was just barely reading this... http://katherinemariephotography.com/blog/archives/1380
Maybe it will give you some ideas?
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