Authors: Kelly Be A Fun Mum

I aim to give my children a variety of play experiences. However – don’t be too shocked now –  I’m not a huge fan of going to playgrounds, or baking with my kids, playing games and…sometimes even doing craft.  Now, it’s not that I don’t like doing these things with my children, because I do…to a degree, but I can only sustain these activities in small doses.  However, there is something, something I can do for hours, something that is relaxing for myself and the children. It’s exploring the outdoors.

I LOVE being outside in wide open spaces with my children. I feel relaxed and this sees me stay out with them for hours at a time. Sometimes I sit as they play within watching distance. Sometimes we go for bushwalks. Sometimes we explore new roads and towns. Sometimes we walk along the beach.

{all these pictures were taken with my iPhone 4}

Maybe one of the reasons I enjoy experiencing the outdoors with my children so much is because it’s something I value highly. I get so much pleasure from simple things, and I want to share this love with my kids.  And you know what? My children play their best, most imaginative, creative and long lasting games when I’m relaxed. For me that is when we are outdoors. So that is the sort of play I facilitate most. Everyone wins.

You might find, like I did, that the activity you enjoy most with your kids is the one you value most. This may be creativity and art or being social with other mums and children at a playground. 

The confession: I don’t officially “play” with my children all that often but I do facilitate play opportunities constantly.

Playing with your child/ren is such a special thing (and I need to try and do it more) but I think mums can feel guilty sometimes for not playing with their kids enough (as if mums need more guilt!!). So ask yourself this question: do I facilitate play opportunities for my child/ren? I don’t know any mum who would say no to that question. 

What activity do you find most relaxing to do with your kids?

External Link

I enjoyed this post: Getting Kids Back Outdoors

Read more http://beafunmum.com/2011/07/playing-with-your-kids-a-confession/