Ready, Set, Play!

Yesterday I posted a blog article in which the author encourages us to connect with our kids daily. Yes, that can mean a myriad of things, but sometimes what our kids need to connect with us is not what we would normally think. You can play trains, talk about his day, paint her toenails, and that will all help. But, I'm finding that the absolute best way to connect with kids is physical play.

Try this: if you have a task that you need your child to complete, but is normally a huge chore (i.e. changing clothes, brushing teeth, getting in the carseat), spend 10 minutes purely playing with them physically. Not quiet, brushing-a-doll's-hair kind of play, but running, chasing, tickling (if they like being tickled) kind of play. Then, try that task. I have found a HUGE difference in Wesley's cooperativeness after spending a few minutes playing.

Can't think of ways to play? Here are some fun ideas:
1. Chase - Just start saying "I'm gonna catch you" and run after them. But, make sure you bumble a lot and let them get away. Only catch them if they obviously stop and want to be caught. A lot of these games allow kids to get the upper hand. They are so powerless for most of their day, these games give them the opportunity to be strong and fast. (This is why you only tickle a kid who asks to be tickled. Tickling can cause kids to feel powerless, which is NOT what you want from playtime.) So, as you chase, say "You're too fast for me!" or "He's so strong!" They'll also love to see you take a big comedic fall and run into walls.

2. Hide and Seek - even toddlers can understand the concept of this game. And, when they find you, you can jump out and start chasing them.

3. Fix game - this is a variation on plain old chase. While you run after your child, say, "I've got to get my Wesley fix! I'm going to cover you with kisses!" They'll know for sure that you love them when you grab them and kiss them all over, then let them get away and start all over.

4. Pillow fight - this is such a great way to get out any pent up aggression. If you have a child who has a hard time not hitting, this is the game for them. They can hit to their heart's content, but in a safe and loving way. This is also a great way to create sibling bonds, by having them gang up against you. At the end, you collapse under their pillows and surrender to their superior pillow fighting abilities.

5. All powerful toy - Say your child is holding something and you want to start playing. Suddenly, pretend like that item frightens you and that it gives him the power to make you run away and hide. They LOVE watching their parents run from them, and will hold the toy up to make it happen. You can climb on beds, hide in closets or under tables, and they will be overjoyed at what they are making mom do!

The goal of all of these games is to get giggles. Once you have them giggling, you're on the right track. These games quickly become favorites, and although it takes some effort up front, it will save you lots of time in the end.