Have you ever just sat and watched your kid at the playground? Did they go play with other kids or did they find something to do by themselves?
Watching my daughter and her friend play yesterday just made me stop and smile. I found such joy just watching them play unicorn dragon babies. LOL kids’ imaginations intrigue me.
What games do your kids play? Or do you not notice because you are too busy with your phone, or thinking about other things rather than taking in the moment? We all do this and I understand that while your child is busy you can have a few minutes to relax, check email or whatever you need too. I’m guilty too, I have definitely done this.
When I think about it though, I wont get to watch them like this long. They grow up into adolescence and teens and their time playing at the playground is done. So take that time to do what you need to, and then put the phone away and watch those precious little ones for as long as you can.
Have you thought about what life skills they are learning while they play? There are so many. They get to use hand eye coordination, their imaginations get a workout along with physical activity, communication skills, working together with other kids, and so much more.
Playing is the best way for kids to learn at young ages.
According to www.nidirect.gov.uk- kids that play can even learn resilience, self-esteem, confidence, curiosity, independance, stamina, agility and coordination while playing. That’s simply amazing! Remember too that your kids are watching you. So if you are wanting to be on technology all the time, the child will too.
Did you see the joy in their eyes?
The joy that my children exude while playing is like a drug to me. It gives me all the warm fuzzies. It is pure and simple joy that they are experiencing. I think we could definitely learn from this.
Finding these joys are harder when we grow up, but if you train your mind to look for these moments, I bet you will see that your life is full of simple joys that you are taking for granted right now. Find time in your day to just look for things that bring you joy, whether you write it down, meditate on it or go out and do the activity, immerse yourself in it, and see how you feel afterwards.
For me, after I find that joy and immerse myself in it, I feel lighter. I feel happier and ready to find more joy. Some of my simple joys are watching my kids play with friends or with each other, my husband playing with my kids, them chasing after chickens, doing a light workout, reading a good book, writing in my blog, riding horse, and so much more.
In “The book of Joy” it states “ try meditating on compassion,on kindness for others, and you will see its effects all day. That’s the way to maintain a calm and joyous mind.” I find this so true.
Another quote from “The Book of Joy” states “ The three factors that seem to have the greatest influence on increasing our happiness are our ability to reframe our situation more positively, our ability to experience gratitude, and our choice to be kind and generous.” Think about that for a minute. What this is saying is that happiness and joy are both things we give to ourselves through our mindsets.
WOW!!! This is something I definately want to teach my children. That no one else can truly make you happy, that has to come from within. It takes work everyday, but it is acheivable and it is your choice.Life gives us all situations that we can not control, but it is how you react and come through the situation that can make the difference in your life. Did you choose to find the positive in the situation or the negative?
I pray you teach your children to recognize the positives in life, and that you let them play as much as possible!
-Kristy