Sometimes they just have to be kicked outside to find something messy and unorganized to do. I really don’t want to be involved. I want them to create fun for themselves. I really believe they need unsupervised play. Constantly guiding them as to what to do and how do it takes away from their inner desire to be creative and imaginative. They benefit from free time to get dirty, make mistakes, make messes and play naturally. I believe they can only truly do this outside.
Our winters are frigid and seem to last forever. Being trapped inside for so long makes a semi-warm afternoon seem like a gift. My kids crave fresh air and I know just when they’ve reached their limit and need to play outside. I really do not care what they do as long as there is no screen and no yelling at each other.
Outside, they can do no wrong. Accidents, spills, messes and owies will happen — and they should. They need space and time to mess up. They need the chance to fix those mistakes without me telling them to do so. They need the chance to fix it, clean it, pick themselves up if they fall and learn to count on themselves. I am not right there to teach or guide them. I let them figure it out for themselves.
Yesterday was one of those days. Their signals are so simple and easy to recognize. When they become sedated in front of a screen, with that blank, empty stare, it is time – time to kick them outside. When I find myself snapping at them and asking them over and over and over again to do something. I literally say to them, ” I do not want to see you in this house until your attitude improves.” Before they know it, they are having natural, unsupervised fun and I have to force them back inside to eat dinner.
I do sneak out for a bit to capture their fun.
Addi looked for fresh buds on the bushes, rode her bike, started a sword fight with her favorite stick and danced in the garage.
Landon jumped in the driveway puddle and then cried when his pants were all wet.
The dogs are always near, hoping a stick or rock gets tossed.
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