The Lazy Days of Summer

Tuesday June 8, 2010

You are worried about seeing him spend his early years in doing nothing.

What!

Is it nothing to be happy?

Nothing to skip, play, and run around all day long?

Never in his life will he be so busy again.

Oh, the lazy days of summer! Emile Rousseau's quote reminds us that those lazy days are not for nothing. I remember a preschool teacher saying to me, "A child's play is his work."

Children learn from play -- all kinds of play. Guided play, solitary play, group play. And we're not just talking preschoolers. Leisure time benefits everyone, regardless of age.

So we're going to be talking about play in the coming weeks -- sharing ideas and encouragement.

Those of you with preschoolers probably feel as if play is all you do and see, and summer is no different for you. We'll talk about how to get a new perspective on play for you while sharing ideas for those moms of school-age kids who are wondering how to fill the hours of play. And how can preteens and teens best use their leisure hours -- in fact, how can the whole family use this summertime to grow closer? Oh, to become "like a child" -- together, as a family.

Do you have a favorite playtime/summertime memory?

Which activity brings that smile of delight and wonder to your child's face?

5 comments:

Jean Wise said...

Laura, I am grateful there is more emphasis on allowing kids just to be kids with unstructured play. My biggest memory of the kids growing up is watching them swing in the backyard or ride bikes around the block. let em play!

Karen said...

Love that "play is their work," I wish our work could be our play? My kids loved putting on "shows" dressing up and telling a story.

Unknown said...

I LOVE this post! I see this in my kids so often because they are homeschooled they have extra time in their day and do they ever use it to the fullest extent!! My husband and I have called my kids "the proficient play-ers" for as long as I can remember because from the moment they get out of bed they are on an adventure!! The latest craze to dazzle their imaginations & delight their young sensibiliteis? Legos,Legos & more Legos!

robyn anne said...

i love watching my kids deep in play. or living the moment to the fullest.
summer around here is full of sprinklers, bike rides, and playing til you can't play anymore! {which results in sleepy sun kissed babes}

Leann Guzman said...

Thanks for commenting on my blog! I love the look of yours and I think I'll be hanging out here in the future!

My kids love playing outside, and especially like it when I sit outside with them. I'm not much of an outside kind of girl, but I'm making a huge effort to overcome that and spend time outdoors with the kids. They can entertain themselves for long periods of time outside, and it's worth it to see them playing happily!

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