In kid world, the play time equation is pretty darned simple ...
When you add play time with a little dirt you get AWESOMENESS! Correct?
Sometimes we parents are guilty of not retaining our Kid Math skills when it comes to play time. Sure, it all added up back in the day. But then the years go by, and little by little, the formula for the equation gets a bit fuzzy.
What is it that keeps us parents from enjoying the “Mud-Slides of Doom” or the “Raging River of Despair” that kids create with just a little water and some good ole dirt? Why do we get all fussy when the adorable little outfit gets an itty bitty smudge while surviving the "Cliffs of Insanity"?!
Because we’re dufos, that’s why. We lay down that hard earned cash on some cutsie outfit and then like boneheads, we put our child in it to PLAY! Really??
Yes, really. I am guilty of having done that very thing. Oh, the number of dirty disasters I’ve ruined by stepping in to rescue an outfit my child was wearing while conquering the world. Not good. Not good at all.
Dr. Michele Borba, award winning child care author says, “We’ve always known that kids and play are just a natural combo. But new research also shows that letting kids engage in self-directed play has immense value for their social, emotional, cognitive and physical growth.”
Self-directed play is the stuff of learning in a small child’s world. When we step in too often, it’s a distraction from the excellent (and yes, MESSY) things they are learning. But learning they ARE and it’s IMPORTANT stuff! Messy play develops eye-hand coordination and tests the laws of physics not to mention expanding the imagination.
One solution to the play time equation goes back to a previous post where I sang the praises of consignment shopping. Just like grown-up savings add up by purchasing gently used clothes, Consignment Shopping for kids clothes can add up to big savings! It’s easy to find super looking play clothes that are totally affordable so that the EXCELLENT dirty adventures can continue.
How about you? How are YOUR Kid Math Skills? Are you open to the Dirty Play Time equation? Click on the comment button to post your thoughts!
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