Monday, February 20, 2012

Why I won't play

My kids want me to play.

What makes me say no? There are legitimate and there are lazy reasons.

Tired -or- "Tired"
Mentally can't handle playing that make-believe game again. - or - Don't think I can mentally handle playing that make-believe game again.
"You won't be able to understand the rules of that game."  -or-  I don't want to take the time to teach you that.
I want to read.  -or-  I don't want to do that.
"I have to get some work done."   -or-   I choose to get some work done.

Its a hard balance isn't it dad (or mom)? I often tell one of our boys, "That's why I got you a perfectly good brother."  I don't know if that is just an excuse, but sometimes, a kid just wants to play.  Let's make sure that we sometimes get it right.

6 comments:

MOV said...

wow, this really resonates with me. I love my kids, but no-- sometimes I do not want to play. And I also have 2 sons, so I like it that they can play together. I feel like the Parenting Police will come arrest me know for admitting this--thanks a lot, it's all your fault. You might be my one phone call from jail.

best,
MOV

Marta Szemik said...

I feel the same way, but my secret weapon to make them play by themselves is telling them they can build a fort in the middle of the family room, using anything that's safe (pillows, blankets). The downfall is the clean up afterwards, but it buys me a couple of "quiet" hours.

geofftakeson said...

Yes. I do the same. Also, though I love playing with my daughter,I make it clear that it's not my responsibility to entertain her. I think it's important that kids learn hw to entertain themselves.

Julie DeMille said...

I find myself making those excuses all too often. I try to remember my dad. I have great memories of him trying to play jacks and do cartwheels with us. He worked a lot but played a lot, too.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Ron .. I'm sure we're all the same - I don't have kids .. but sometimes I'd have loved to chill out - but the god-children called and I go running - yea I'm a good soul. Probably why I hate Mulan ... watched too many times and a Bug's Life!! Still it's great to sit down and play at something at whatever age .. cheers Hilary

Ron Easton for Dads UnLimited said...

MOV: Don't bother calling, I will be busy or playing:)
Marta: Forts, I always wonder why I forget about them, the kids love them and as you say, they take up so much creative juice and play time.
Geoff: I agree. I also know I cop out too easily at times.
Jewels: See, I want that to be my kids' memory too.
Hilary: Thanks for coming around again. The heart of a child still beats in us all.