Yesterday when I started this Five Days of {Just Having} Fun with Your Family series, I shared how I feel a little overwhelmed sometimes by my responsibilities.  It’s like I’ve become so focused on my to-do list that I’ve lost some of the spontaneous play of the earlier years of the girls’ lives.

Don’t get me wrong, I can think of a million and one learning activities, busy bags, and structured activities!  I’m thinking more along the lines of unfettered, imaginative, creative play.

If we are unhindered as children (given plenty of time & space, have our basic needs met, and develop a secure attachment), we do this “playing” easily and well.  It comes naturally, and it’s how we learn during those early years.  Unfortunately, somewhere along life’s pathway, we can lose this ability to play–especially if we don’t make time for it, and our many responsibilities, activities, and duties crowd it out.

In an effort to make sure I don’t lose that ability, I set aside an hour just to play with the girls today.  No distractions from my phone, computer, or housework.  Just uninterrupted time….

I didn’t tell them what to do or give any of my ideas.  Instead, I just let them decide.

They loved it. I loved it.

• We played board games.
• We ran some races.
• We played hide-and-seek.
• I actively engaged with them during play, and it was refreshing.

What about you?  Have you just had fun as a family today?  Feel free to share in the comments below.

Inspire us!  🙂

This post is part of the iHomeschoolNetwork January 2013 Hopscotch!  There are tons of topics, so be sure to check out the other posts!