Four Ways to Practice Playful Parenting
I loved this recent post at Simple Mom with four tips for being a playful parent. I am especially encouraged and challenged by the first and fourth tips.
Start the Day with Play
The first tip challenges the very start to my day. Too often I quickly feed the kids and start into my chores, leaving them to occupy themselves until I am ready to go. But I happen to know from experience that giving them my attention first thing in the morning normally leads to a more peaceful day (especially the afternoon).
The "Cereal" Trick
The fourth tip challenges my response to their desires throughout the day, particularly those we cannot meet. The name, the "cereal trick," comes from the story of a child who wants a specific cereal that they don't have. "I wish I could magically make a box appear," is his mother's understanding, sympathetic response. "Sometimes just having someone understand how much you want something makes the reality easier to bear."
Check out this post and enjoy some playful parenting.
I like it!! I heard the cereal trick idea in the book: How to Talk so Your Kids Will Listen and Listen so your Kids Will Talk. And starting the day w/ play, yeah, I get into my chores first too. Let me know how you get it all to balance out practically.
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