Why Not More Play? Parents Families.com

We chat a great deal amidst and amongst these blogs and forums about the work of parenting–the have tos and shoulds and oughtas, but as I’m sitting here this morning in my crispy, crunchy sunny Pacific Northwest, I am actually thinking about days off, holidays, vacations, trips to the park, silly games, dates, outings and PLAY…why not a little focus on more play?

Everything has to be so very organized–I’m the first person to stand up and confess that my name is Kori and I completely over-organize everything. Regardless of how naturally spontaneous I may be in the very core of who I am, life as a single mom has directed me into becoming increasingly organized and responsible. And, while I appreciate my ability to get things done, I’m probably giving up a bit of my playful soul in the process. Like most of you, I actually have a “social calendar”–what is that?! It means that I’ve applied the same skills and techniques I use in managing and scheduling my work and responsibility life to my social life…”Oh, yes, let’s see, you’d like to meet for coffee? How about we pencil that in here at 10:30 am on February 15th? If you’ll get back to me with a confirmation, I’ll put it in pen.”

Okay, that’s not really a bad thing–but it doesn’t really count as all out, unfiltered, spontaneous play…

How about playing hooky with our kids and going ice skating? No forethought, no calendars, just “Let’s play hooky and go ice skating!” And then, see where the spirit takes you–ice cream? cocoa? Maybe we put together an impromptu treasure hunt and get our rears outside in the cold winter day for a little fresh air. How about spending some time making paper sack puppets and putting on a puppet show…

And, since we’re on the subject of play, how about play WITHOUT the kids. When my kids are away, I’ve always been tempted to use that time to get stuff done–change the sheets, clean the linen closet, dredge out the refrigerator. Why am I not using that time for some playfulness just for myself? Hanging out with a friend or two, taking myself to the pottery store and painting a plate, whiling away an hour or two in a book store reading pulpy popular books that I’d never spend money on and sipping a vanilla latte?

It’s too early in the morning here on this Ground Hog’s Day for me to know whether Spring is on the way or not–but regardless, I’m thinking I’m going to dedicate the next six weeks to play. Why not? You know the saying– “all work and no play…”