A seemingly simple request can evoke feelings of dread in many parents: “Mom, will you play with me?” This plea, often uttered by young children, can leave caregivers feeling overwhelmed and out of their depth.
Take, for instance, my daughter, Lily, who has recently turned four and just embarked on her kindergarten journey. On a particular day, after picking her up from a half-day session, we had a three-hour stretch before we needed to pick up her sister, Zoe. After sharing a quick lunch, Lily looked up at me with her big eyes and asked me to play.
It’s important to be candid: the thought of engaging in imaginative play often fills me with reluctance. I can happily engage in activities such as assembling a puzzle, reading a story aloud, or even building with blocks. However, when it comes to free play, the experience can feel less enjoyable.
“Mom, pretend it’s the circus, and I’m not a clown. I’m a butterfly now,” Lily instructed.
“Alright,” I responded.
“You have to say, ‘Here comes the butterfly,’” she demanded.
With every interaction, I began to realize that my role in these scenarios was limited to merely echoing her instructions, which left little room for my own creativity. I often resorted to various excuses to avoid “playing.” I might say I needed to use the restroom or that I heard the doorbell. Sometimes, I even considered checking my email, which, while a mild diversion, felt like a poor substitute for quality time with my child.
As a parent, I am keenly aware that these moments are fleeting. Someday, Lily and Zoe will outgrow this phase and likely won’t want to engage in play with me. I often find myself grappling with the guilt of not embracing these opportunities more fully. I cherish the performances they create, where they dance and sing, as it allows me to appreciate their talents from the sidelines without the pressure to actively participate.
However, the demand for imaginative play, where I am merely a spectator, can be exasperating. It is disheartening to be directed by a four-year-old in a scenario that offers no outlet for personal creativity. Therefore, I must navigate my feelings towards those six words: “Mom, will you play with me?”
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In summary, while engaging in play with children can be a daunting task for many parents, it’s essential to recognize the fleeting nature of these moments. Balancing the enjoyment of imaginative play with the need for personal creativity can be challenging. Acknowledging these feelings is a step towards fostering a more harmonious parent-child relationship.
Keyphrase: Engaging in Play with Children
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