The Joy of Playing with Kids

I'm linking up, almost a week late, with Kelly and a few others for "Build 'Em Up: Because we need each other." The topic last week was the joy of playing with our kids. I must admit I do not excel at this. I am good at doing activities with my kids -- taking them places, doing crafts, or baking with them -- but not just sitting down and playing with them. As a stay-at-home mom I am always aware that not only do the kids need to be fed but laundry needs doing, dishes need to be washed, and the house needs to be cleaned too. I am looking forward to reading how other people incorporate this into their day and hopefully getting some new ideas.

One thing I do try to do is make every day things fun. I will let Sam pick out our holiday decorations at Dollarama or we will play "the grocery cart is running away" game at the grocery store (I give the cart an extra push with them in it and then pretend to "chase" them.). I do try to take extra moments to cuddle with my kids in the midst of my day-to-day or read them books at various points throughout the day.

And I also try to capitalize on their spur-of-the-moment silliness -- we've had impromptu tickle sessions on the couch, chased each other around the main floor, or had laundry fights (they try to pull things out of the laundry basket faster than I can put clothes in them!). They also love impromptu dance parties in the kitchen while I'm cooking or doing dishes!

I'm looking forward to the kids being old enough for family games nights and things like that. And I'm looking forward to reading about how some of you incorporate playing with your kids in the midst of your days.