Connect With Your Children Through Play

Did you know that research has shown that a typical child in the US (18 or younger) spends an average of 7 minutes outside and 7 hours in front of a screen? If that doesn't raise your eyebrows, then I don't know what will.

What do these statistics mean? They mean that our children are not playing, and that is a problem. When a child plays, they are filled with a sense of pleasure, accomplishment and belonging. The pleasure centers of the brain are linked to the learning centers of the brain. Play alleviates stress and worry. Stress can actually impede learning. A stressed or worried child can not retain information as well as a child who is not experiencing those feelings.

So what can we do?

Plant a garden.

If you said, "Huh?" just stick with me a sec.

Plant a row of peas
1. peas of mind
2. peas of heart
3. peas among siblings

Plant a row of squash
1. Squash screen time
2. Squash guilt
3. Squash excuses

Plant a row of lettuce
1. Lettuce play on the floor together
2. Lettuce hear one another
3. Lettuce let our children lead us

Plant a row of turnips
1. Turnip for family dinners
2. Turnip for service to others
3. Turnip for dedicated play with each child

Plant a row of thyme
1. Thyme for myself
2. Thyme for my spouse or significant other
3. Thyme for children
4. Thyme for friends

Water freely with patience and cultivate with love. There is much fruit in your garden because you reap what you sow.

If you enjoyed this post, you might also like...

So you want to give your child some homework?

Criss Cross Applesauce: Cross lateral movement and the brain.

Running Errands with Kids

Raising a Motivated Child