If you followed my facebook posts over spring break, you saw that we had a somewhat eventful week. My kids got hurt. My kids got hurt – A LOT.
When I look back at it, I find it a tad humorous. I wonder how we all survived our childhood. Just think of our parents or grandparents generation before there was all the safety nets we have in place now.
Before our break even started, I made a conscious decision that the kids were not going to sit in front of the TV, the X box, the Wii, Nintendo DS’s, or any other electronic entertainment all week long. I am tired of the constant programming! At first it was pretty easy because my kids were grounded from all such entertainment because of the rooms and lack of willingness to finish the job. As the rooms got finished, the requests started.
At first, they were horrified at every reply of “no.” At first, they had absolutely no idea of what they were going to do. At first, they stared at me in hopes of my mind magically changing.
Then, the most amazing thing happened. They played.
My kids are pretty good about playing like kids. We have always encouraged them to just be kids, but lately it seemed that they were forgetting those lessons.
Before I knew it, I was heard the sounds of “Ghost Runners” on first and second base as the back yard became occupied with a baseball game. The game was joined by neighbor kids. I even got to referee, and they let the old lady bat a couple times.
Sure, my two youngest found great pleasure in “Doggy Digging” in the dirt up from under the pine trees, and they left rings around the tub several evening. But, they were out playing in the dirt, and dirt washes.
They played with sticks. (and the probably ran with them) They played with rocks. They shot BB Guns, and they shot their bow and arrows. They made forts, and they played Capture the Flag. They road bikes, scooters, and roller skates.
Yes, they sprained a wrist, nearly broke a nose, and had a forehead abuse a corner in the hallway, but they had fun. They were KIDS! Not programmed. Not plugged in. Just kids. Like we used to be.
