Finding your playful side...

[Buzzbuzz]

My husband is great with our toddlers -- he has a naturally playful side that they really respond to and that also brings out my sillier side as well.

I've always been a more serious person and have a pretty stressful and consuming job.  When I'm alone with the kids I really miss what my husband brings into the mix -- I don't seem to be able to find my "play" ability on my own.  

Does anyone have any suggestions for books or mental tricks, etc. for shifting into the *fun* frame of mind?  Especially after a long day at work? 

[TigerMama09]

I wonder about this too!  Unfortunately, I don't have a DH to help.  When I get home from work, I've usually been sitting in traffic for over an hour already, and I'm exhausted...  I guess what helps me is seeing this little girl who's been waiting for me all day, and I just try to muster up the determination to get up and play with her for a while.  I still think I am not a very fun mom - I am usually counting the minutes until we can do something else...  :-/  I guess stress and exhaustion will do that to you!

Just remember that these years will pass quickly, and someday they won't want to play anymore!  It's worth a little extra effort to share this time with them.  :)

~Melissa~

Single Mama to Miss Priss (3 y/o)

[LynnS6]

Playful Parenting is a great book. Your toddlers are a little young for some of the ideas to work, but it might give you ideas.

Here's the deal: You don't have to initiate the play. Sit yourself on the floor and observe their play. Let them lead. Then, when you want, begin to take part in their play. It's pretty hard to sit next to a toy barn and not pick up that cow and say "moo". If you spend 20-30 minutes a day on the floor with them, letting them lead, that's all you need. (And you don't even need to do it every day.) As they get older, you can find your niche -- you can bake with them, do crafts, take them for walks, etc. It's nice to have parents who have slightly different roles. (My dh doesn't play much pretend with the kids. That's my domain. He does other stuff. It's OK.)

Or, if you don't even have the energy to sit on the floor and pick up that cow, then take them for a walk (no stroller). This is a toddler walk. You'll get about 2 blocks in 20 minutes. It's OK. Let them explore, talk to them about what they find. Carry them when they get tired (so don't go too far, or you'll be staggering home!). My son's favorite thing to do when he was 2 was to go up the street and splash in the big puddle. I didn't do much other than say "wow! look at all that water!" He was in heaven, and he was getting positive attention. (He's 10 now, and still remembers that puddle fondly.)

And because these pictures are so cute, I can't resist:

[KellyandBean]

Music! Try Pandora for a children's music station that always gets me thinking of my childhood and makes me feel a little more silly.

[crunchy_mommy]

I second Playful Parenting, awesome book.

Tune into your kids and see what gets them going. My 2.5yo DS loves words and language, and the one thing that always gets him giggling hysterically is when I make up a word or phrase and repeat it over & over. A friend of his is more physical and just loves being spun around in circles. Both of them are really into pretend play so we've been doing a lot of role-playing when we get together lately. Silly things like making the stuffed animals talk or do household tasks can be great fun -- i.e. DS loves when his kitty gives him breakfast or brushes his teeth. We try to incorporate playfulness into our entire day, with lots of songs and silly voices and pretending (all the while accomplishing 'real' tasks like getting ready for bed or whatever).

One thing I want to mention is, 'play' can be something different with you than it is with your husband. What do you enjoy doing most? Is there a way you can introduce whatever that is to your kids? So maybe you love cooking -- so start cooking with them, let them play with spice shakers and roll out dough and stuff. Or if you love reading, grab a book and see if you can really make it come to life for them. If you like dancing, turn on the music!! Whatever your passion is, share that with your kids. That will be way more fun to them than anything you read in a book. They will feel your passion and happiness & it will be so great for them, and it will naturally relieve your stress if it is something you love doing! If you are not sure how to incorporate your children into your favorite pastimes, share them with us so we can help you come up with ideas. I think if you are doing something you love, you will all have fun. It doesn't have to be all about sitting on the floor stacking blocks or having yet another tea party.