#playmatters: Parenting Mistakes #2

Pauline — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 09:00:00 +0000

#playmatters: Parenting Mistakes #2

Do you make the mistake of always asking your kids, “Was that fun?”

Our first #playmatters parenting mistake was not playing with kids and getting down to their level. But what about our conversations around play? What sort of questions do you ask your kids about play?

“Was that fun?” How often do those words spill out of our mouths after our kids have finished playing? I don’t want to be a party pooper and perpetrate the idea that this isn’t an appropriate question. Just as much as I believe that #playmatters, of course play is fun.

However, when our kids play, they may also come across conflict; or frustration, which may or may not be resolved. It’s all part and parcel of learning and life.

There’s something to be said about developing our children’s resilience. Resilience is a remarkable thing; to face difficulty and not crumble into a heap. Or if we do crumble into a heap, to be able to pick ourselves up, to keep a steady course and level head to go through the difficulty. Resilience is indeed a remarkable and precious character trait.

Yes, #playmatters. Yes, play can be fun. Yes, it is okay to ask our children, “Was that fun?” But here are some other questions you could ask your children after they have finished playing. These questions build deeper conversations. These questions have the scope to help our children think beyond their self-seeking desires. These questions model a healthy framework of thought for our children when they do come across those tough times when resilience is required.

What did you do?
Can you tell me what you’ve learnt?
What are you thankful for? I love this question because regardless of the play experience (e.g. new or familiar; a calm experience, or one filled with frustration), we can still learn to be thankful.

Join the fun and be part of the #playmatters community.

It’s only been two weeks since the launch of #playmatters and the #playmatters community has taken off with gusto. As of the time of writing this post, there are already well over 1100 #playmatters photos. It’s so exciting. For those of you who are already part of the #playmatters community, thank you! It’s so wonderful to see so many children all around the world playing because #playmatters.

If you haven’t already, join in the fun and join the #playmatters community!

You can become part of the #playmatters community on Instagram by simply:

Uploading your play related photos onto Instagram;
Pick a fun filter, (choices, choices!);
Add a caption and the hashtag #playmatters;
Click share!
Then, (here’s the fun part), check out other #playmatters photos by searching for the #playmatters hashtag. Be inspired, laugh and cry with others. Meet, support and be supported by others who also believe that play matters.

My Instagram user name is @pauline_lessonslearntjournal. Would love it if you would come and say Hi!

Don’t have Instagram? You can still see #playmatters photos through the Instagram tab on the Lessons Learnt Journal Facebook Page. Want to share a photo? Please share it through the Lessons Learnt Journal Facebook Page and add #playmatters as part of your caption for the photo.

Need more inspiration?

Follow the #playmatters Pinterest Board.

*We believe that play matters and we hunt down the best kids activities for you. Follow our #playmatters Pinterest Board.

More confessions?

I make plenty of parenting mistakes with kids. As part of the #playmatters initiative, I will be sharing a number of parenting mistakes I make with my kids. So, be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on learning from my parenting mistakes.

We have a fun free printable for our subscribers: 5 quick ways to have happy kids.

Don’t miss our next #playmatters: Parenting Misktakes #3 where I fess up about our TV watching habits.

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March 2013