You had a long day. Your boss yelled at you or they rejected the work you did. Half your team was fired and you luckily escaped the chopping block. You experience the loss of a parent or a friend. The mortgage is late. The check engine light is on in the car. One of your kids had their heart broken. The Presidential race in the U.S. is a joke. You and your partner had an argument.
Life sure does throw its punches. When you feel stuck in a corner or life simply has taken over, there is something you can do that helps. Playing with your children.
Generally speaking, children keep their parents grounded. Reminding us at every turn what they find important. Fries. Apple juice. And cookies. I have long found that when I feel like I need a break from the challenges life has or the stress, I play with my child. Since the first time it happened, watching my daughter run has been a joy for me. A memory that will never vanish from my memory banks. I even remember where we were when I first noticed.
Freedom. Joy. Fun. All of these are witnessed when my daughter runs full speed towards me or anything else. Watching her run is the most fun I have with her. She runs with force and intention. She yells and smiles at the same time. Yes, this. Therapy.
When jarred, unavoidably by circumstance, play with your kids. Get outside and blow some bubbles. Build a huge tower with blocks. The stress is generally not their fault and so they should not bear the burden of responsibility of some adult thing. That is on you, not on your children.
Life, or your stress will not get worse by taking some time to play with your kids. You have the time. You can do it now. The problem you brought home that you cannot solve, remains the same. Leave it outside. I know you’re tired. However, you children waited all day to see you. To yell Mom or Dad as soon as you walk in.
Kobe Bryant came home from a basketball game one night. His back was in terrible shape. He gets home to no special treatment. His daughters wanted to play with him outside. Kobe recalls this by saying, “it’s not fair to them that I hurt my back and I feel limited. I just gave the game of basketball all I had. To come home and not do the same to my family?” This is a parent who gets it. The best player in the NBA, physically limited, and throws himself on the grass so his girls can play with him.
No greater responsibility or job is given than being a parent. The time with our young children is limited and it shrinks even more as they get older. When they have a life of their own and friends to be with.
Remember, your children did not tell you to take that job with a 2-hour commute or 10 hours of overtime. You made that choice. Now that you’re home, chose to give them their time back. Choose them.
Thought Provoking Question 1 : What can you lose by playing with your kids?
Dan Roman is a Husband, Father, and writer that releases a daily blog. A quick read on sharing wisdom and asking though-provoking questions.
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