Why Parents Should Make Time For Play

This is a guest post by David Reeves.

Playtime is the highlight of almost every child’s day, which is why parents should make time for play.

Even wild animals seem to crave a break in the day for play. We see birds chasing each other through the trees and think, “I wish I could do that!”

Yet when our own children beg us for time to play, or to play with them, there are often so many other things to do and places to be that playtime gets delayed.

It is important to remember that the idea of play differs for every child. Some children love structured activity while others look for the time to break out of structure and even run wild in the yard or on a playground.

That means there is no right or wrong way to play. Some kids like to play alone while others seek out groups, organize games or recruit their siblings to play along with them.

Bath Time Has Become A Real Game Of Thrones

Since we started bathing the boys together, there has always been a give and take when it comes to everything involved. What toys are played with, what nights are hair wash nights, who does each and most recently there has been a new development.

Forget ruling the seven kingdoms, the most coveted title these days is who gets to sit at the front of the bath. The front of the bath is where the power lies. You not only get to monopolize the water running out of the tap, you get to soak in the warmer water.

It has become a real Game of Thrones at our house.

Each night both boys race to get out of their clothes and into the bath. Not because they love the idea of getting clean or getting closer to bed time. Nope, they just want to be in the front position and stick it to the other kid for the entire process.

Dad Confessions: I Let The Kids Work It Out

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For those who spend a lot of their day with kids, I bet there are a few things you keep to yourself.

Whether it is how you parent, what you slack off on or even what you feed (or don’t feed) the kids.

Now that I am home again all day with the boys, I have had to adjust to that life. While a one-year old and a four-year old are very different, I have been lucky to find a handful of activities they like to do together while I clean, cook or take a two-minute sanity break.

It’s one of the perks of having two kids right?

They can entertain themselves. Louis C.K. commented on having two kids in an article and said “Your first kid’s going to have a playmate, and an enemy, and all kinds of stuff that you don’t have to be anymore. It’s way better to be a referee than one of the boxers!” It is the truth.

I have always loved being a friend to our oldest son, but I know that I will never have the same relationship as he will have with his little brother. I am dad. I am the referee. I am their when they need stuff.

Video: Calls For Dad | #RealDadMoments | Dove Men+Care

I have seen these done for moms quite often. Thanks to Dove Men Care for doing one for dads. No matter how many times my boys call on me, I love hearing dad, daddy, daddoo or whatever it is.

Enjoy.

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Three quarters of dads say they are responsible for their child’s emotional well-being, while only 20% of dads see this role reflected in media. It’s time to acknowledge the caring moments of fatherhood that often go overlooked.

The New Normal Is Setting In

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We have been in Toronto for just over three weeks and a new routine has been established. It’s pretty basic. My wife goes to work and I manage the boys all day as I start the hunt for a job. Our situation has given me a lot of time to do this, so I don’t feel pressured to settle for anything.

Aside from the hunt, my day is all about keeping two energetic boys happy and entertained. It’s good work if you can get it, as a lot of people say. Of course, once I start working again, this will all change. So I am going to enjoy it while it lasts.

Our family is high on structure. We love it. Our kids operate on it. So it was important after the move to set it back in place. It did not take long. Actually, it is better than before and I feel everyone is more rested.