Play-Learn-Grow-Repeat

From Friday Mom – Erin:
As I may have mentioned before, I am a huge Amazon Prime shopper. Sure, sometimes that limits the available options, but being able to buy things cheaply AND have them arrive at my house in 48 hours or less makes it a no brainer. Plus, avoiding spending time out shopping means more time spent with my family.

What this also means is a high volume of cardboard boxes at our house each week. Sometimes we reuse them to send our own packages, and other times we simply put them out for recycling. Recently, however, Rory and I have found a new way to recycle: building out of boxes.

Equipped with a pair of scissors and Rory’s crayons, our boxes become whatever we can imagine. Last fall, I made Rory a firetruck out of a fairly flat box. Sure, it was basically a fire truck caricature, but he gleefully donned his fireman a had and climbed on in. We only recently took it out to the curb with the other boxes; it was that big of a hit.

During last week’s snow day, I made Rory a “laptop” computer out of a box flap. He was bent out of shape that his daddy had to take work calls from home, so I made him his own computer so that he could send emails, just like daddy. We helped him type emails on its little keyboard, and he folded it closed when we finished.

Finally, over the weekend, I fashioned Rory a banjo out of a paper plate and some more box flaps. Now Rory and I play “gicktah” (guitar) together– he turns his popper toy turned upside down while I use the banjo. During yesterday’s snow delay, we had a good old fashioned jam session, with renditions of favorites such as old McDonald, BINGO, and Baa Baa Black sheep. The cardboard is growing weak from all the use it has received over the past few days.

Rory has a playroom full of toys that we purchased or he was given as gifts, but he always gets so excited by the novelty of our cardboard creations. He loves the new opportunity to pretend, and I love knowing that I am combatting his boredom AND showing him the value of creativity. Plus, a cardboard banjo and imaginary guitar are MUCH quieter than their real life counterparts. Thank goodness.

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
Jack and Tate have a great relationship when it comes to playtime.  Jack is very laid back and doesn’t let Tate’s “two year old” fits get to him.  Over the last several months they have been interacting more and more.  They both have certain things they don’t like the other one touching, but for the most part they share pretty well.   Jack has always been gentle with Tate and I have been so appreciative of his manners… until recently, when our house all of a sudden became a WWF wrestling wring/Spartan battle ground.

It seems to be a constant trend around here where the boys always find a way to wrestle, jump on or pretend to battle with some sort of play sword or weapon they create.  I grew up with two older sisters, and I’m not used to this type of play.  My husband tells me it’s what boys do, and my sisters, who each have two boys, tell me to get used to it, it doesn’t go away.  I love that my children play together and laugh while doing so, but why all the physical play?  As parents, we do enforce rules like no touching near the face or hitting with any sort of object, but that doesn’t always get obeyed.  After numerous explanations of the rules, my frustration level rises.

After reading a few articles on this topic, I’ve learned that it’s actually proven that boys need this type of interaction.  Rough play creates empathy as well as trust, which allows children to grow up and live in ever-changing environments.  It allows them to take risks and eventually know where to draw the line at real violence.  As mentioned in an article, if you look at the way animals interact they have a way of horsing (excuse the pun) around, too.  I remember our dog we once had loved to play rough and would chase after balls with other dogs in our neighborhood.  It’s a part of life, and lessons we learn from childhood only make us a stronger person.

Jack has a full day at Kindergarten.  I have a sheet listing every minute of the day of every activity he does from the time the first bell rings (7:40am) until I pick him up (3pm).  I’m thankful his school still encourages and allots a time for recess.   Giving the children time to release stress and/or give their brains a little break I believe is necessary.  When I ask Jack what he did at recess on any given day, it usually involves racing, swinging and some type of battle.  Not surprised.

I feel after reading some articles and asking around to other friends/sisters about this topic, I am learning that whether my children are playing a dodge-ball game or pretending they’re part of a battle are all things that will teach them competence, trust and a good understanding when playing rough has gone too far.  It’s completely normal for boys (and girls) to play rough; it’s only natural.  I’m sure it will take some time for me to adapt, but I’m willing to watch my children learn by play of any kind.