So how do you incorporate Playful Parenting

[USAmma]

when you are sleep deprived, grumpy, having your period, and your kids are stir-crazy b/c they are recovering from RSV? My kids are grumpy, I'm grumpy? How in the world do I put on a smiley face and think of being playful? Anyone have any suggestions, mental exercises, meditations?

[delicious]

chocolate? wine?

damn i am sorry. sounds like you guys are having tough times! i hope your kiddos are over the RSV soon.

[MsMoMpls]

You don't always have to be cheerful playful... sometimes you can be kind of naughty playful. I make messes, throw my own fits, put us all in the tub together, run away from home together, pound playdough, splash in puddles, all get under the blanket and watch dumb TV- all that can be playful parenting.

Today I sucked the fussies out of Joey and then walked around whining and kicking and making such a rauchous... it really felt wonderful. Oh- and Joey felt better too, I guess.

I also made nacho dip for lunch that we ate with chips and only used one communal bowl- no silverware. My best playful parenting often comes when I am just too tired to be a "good" momma.

[USAmma]

That sounds very theraputic!

[BohoMama]

Blowing the Betty Crocker Award

When my mom was fed up (I don't know if with us, with life, or whatever), she would make something sweet for dinner like waffles or even once or twice a chocolate cake and feed it to us. She'd then throw her hands up in the air and announce "Well, I guess I won't win the Betty Crocker Mother of the Year award again this year!"

As for me, I need some help in lightening up and being playful too. IMO, it's not right to "put on a smiley face" if it isn't heartfelt, but trying to do something fun can bring a real smile back to everyone.