Laraba's Homeschool Blog - How Do You Have “Fun” With Your Kids?

Sep. 2, 2009 - How Do You Have “Fun” With Your Kids?

I’m a very conscientious mom. Ok, at times I am downright uptight. There seem to be so many “important” things to do in my life, and I want to do those things well. First and foremost, I want to guide my children towards Jesus through both my words and my actions. Secondly, I want to homeschool them well, which requires much prayer for wisdom, devoted analysis of curricula, and faithfulness in teaching.

And then there’s all the other stuff! Superintending chores, and disciplining, and cooking, and cleaning, and shopping. It’s a lot, and since I’m a compulsive person I tend to get anxious about it all, and very focused on getting required projects completed.

This week, I read a fictional book about a compulsive teenage boy whose mother was, in his thoughts anyway, somewhat ditzy. He adored his mother, but felt like she was always too disorganized. The boy himself would put me to shame, with everything organized in his room by color, and all his textbooks marked out with different colored highlighters.

The truth was, though, that their house was full of love. His mother wasn’t especially organized, but she openly loved her kids and they knew it. There was a whole lot more to the book, but I was caught by this picture of a woman whose bills and cupboards were often a mess, but whose heart was firmly attached to the hearts of her children.

I know that being organized is a fine trait. We have six kids and 3 are official homeschooling age. We have a LOT going on. Being organized helps us live our lives in a moderately calm way.

But I’ve also been wondering if I laugh enough with them, if I just enjoy time with our darlings. Kevin tends to be more of the “fun” parent. He wrestles with them and tosses them in the air and that kind of thing.

So, I’ll finally get to the question that heads this blog: how do you have fun with your kids? Because the parent-child relationship is much more than spiritual leadership, excellent teaching, and making sure basic needs are met. Those things are vitally important, but there should also be a spark of pure fun.

I do have fun with the kids, and here are a few things I do. I read to them, a LOT. They like it, I like it

Sometimes we giggle crazily at the table, especially when one of the little ones says something charming and/or goofy.

We go outside and blow bubbles and watch the preschoolers chase them.

We play worship songs and dance.

I sit on the couch at the end of a long day and chuckle at their physical antics. This evening, the 3 youngest children were doing summersaults on the living room carpet, with varying degrees of skill.

But I’d like to “play” more, I think. Any suggestions?

• Post A Comment!

Comments

Sep. 2, 2009 - More Fun

Play kick ball (just back & forth, not organized game); shoot basketball; walks in the field; chase and when they are caught kisses & tickles; Emma likes for me to swing with her and go down the slide together. Hope this gets your "fun" juices flowing!

Cheryl

• Permanent Link

Sep. 3, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Ask them :) really. My kids each get a special night as you know and we ask them what they want to do. They all say drawing or a game, go to the library or sometimes a special treat like going to b-fast.

I know what you mean and think we could all do with a good dose of fun. I'm planning on doing that tomorrow while picking apples tomorrow with the kids.

God bless, (Pam) Stillearning

• Permanent Link

Sep. 5, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Different moms play differently. What did you love to do as a child? I think some of the playing should be what mom loves to do, so she can share her joy in it. Others should be what the kids love to do.

It's the little things that count, though.

I can juggle a wee bit, with two balls, and when the kids were small, I always used to juggle our lunch oranges until I dropped them. Then we'd eat them. That was, apparently, a highlight, and I may begin doing it again.

Blessings, and have fun!

Annie Kate

• Permanent Link