Finding “Yes” Time To Play With Your Kids

When my five-year-old goddaughter wants to build a fort and play dollhouse, I say yes! To heck with making dinner for the teenagers; they had to fend for themselves last night.

But back when it was my five-year-old sons wanting to build forts and play “smashing dinosaurs,” it was so much harder to find enough “yes-time” to match their requests. It’s a tough spot our generation of parents is in. We expect ourselves to do it all as parents and managers of households AND still have endless time to be our kids’ favorite playmates. It’s a big ask. I consider myself to have had good parents and yet the thought that my mom should sit down and play dolls with me never once crossed my mind when I was a girl.

It’s unreasonable to expect that we can play as much as our kids might want us to and also take care of our tasks of running a household and adult life.

So, what to do?

My take has been to find bits of time to sit and play where I am “all in.” It’s a mental discipline to turn off the phone, bring my mind into the present moment and play. I have to convince myself to let the room be messy, let the dishwasher be full, let the texts be unanswered, and just play for a little bit. And when I simply cannot play? I look for the “yes.” “Yes, I’d love to play with you! We can do that when _________.” The answer to “when” might be later today when I’m not running around like my hair is on fire. Maybe it’s “yes” for 10 minutes. Or “yes” if it’s a puzzle (my fave) instead of smashing dinosaurs (Palmer’s fave). Or “yes” on the weekend.

We can’t stop every time they ask. That’s an unreasonable expectation. But we can try to honor the fact that our precious little people are asking for our attention.

We can affirm that we love to be with them and then find our “yes.”

Share:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Most Popular

Get The Latest Updates

Subscribe To Our Weekly Newsletter

No spam, notifications only about new products, updates.
.
On Key

Related Posts

Mom holding toddler during a tantrum

What Vexes Parents

A friend and talk show host asked me this week what 5 issues vex most parents. That’s a pretty big question! I’m going to share

Mom with kids walking in the woods

Self-care, self-love, and the art of parenting.

Chances are you have found that parenting stretches you in ways you didn’t see coming. I’m betting that you want your children to feel absolutely loved, cherished, and adored by you, down to their core.

Let's Get Together

Please request a free Discovery Call with one of us.

Kerry Stutzman MSW, LMFT

My passion is helping my clients develop close, connected families and healthy relationships. For the past 20 years I have been helping people discover the best version of themselves.  Learn more

Brett King LPCC NCC, MFT

My specialty is couples therapy with parents. I also have expertise in parenting, betrayal recovery, and addiction.  Learn more

Debbie Bassett MA, LPCC, MFTC

My focus includes trauma, attachment, anxiety, depression, and relational work; including a focus on children and teens, parents, and couples.  Learn more

Amy Cobb - Parent Coach

Amy Cobb MS Family/Human Development

I specialize in working with parents and caregivers with children from cradle to college, with special focus from birth – 10 years old. Learn more

Session Request with Debbie

I look forward to meeting with you.

Discovery Call Request with Kerry

My practice is quite full, however I am accepting new clients if I feel there is a good fit and I can be helpful.  Please share what brings you to seek therapy at this time.

I look forward to discovering if we are a good fit.

Discovery Call Request with Debbie

I look forward to discovering if we are a good fit.

Discovery Call Request with Brett

I look forward to discovering if we are a good fit.

Welcome Back

If you are an established client, please click on your therapist/parent coach to access their online booking portal.