Sometimes it’s the barren places that hold the most promise, friend. For days, my kids have been clearing the leaves from this patch of dirt in our backyard. Taking and turning the soil again and again. Carefully lining the outside with stones, to mark it’s borders to anyone who might not see it’s potential. TheyContinue reading “The Barren Places”
Category Archives: The Work of Play
Friday Tidy
On Fridays, our family takes an hour or two to work together to tidy the house together so we are ready for weekend fun and adventures. Everyone pitches in to tidy up, vacuum, dust and pick up and put away things that have gotten out of place throughout the week. Now that we’ve been doingContinue reading “Friday Tidy”
Look for the Gems
A city park—even a less than desirable one—can be just as fun a place to play as a beautiful natural outdoor setting. Look for the gems around you, Mama, and be content where He’s called you. In being thankful for the good gifts from His hand, you’re also teaching your little ones to be thankful.Continue reading “Look for the Gems”
Contentment
The other day, that beautiful Spring-like day, everyone went outside. The big kids headed to the driveway to shoot hoops. The little guy and I stayed in our fenced backyard. My littlest one LOVES the backyard (which he charmingly refers to as “the garden”). It doesn’t matter the weather, his daily request is always theContinue reading “Contentment”
Playing With Your Kids?
Here’s a secret, Mama. It’s ok letting them play on their own sometimes. You don’t have to feel guilty sitting next to them and reading a book or doing a handicraft or drinking a hot cup of tea while they play—you’re actually modeling ways to engage the world (reading, crafting, reflecting) as they grow up.Continue reading “Playing With Your Kids?”
What They Really Need…is a Mud Kitchen?
You don’t need that fancy mud kitchen, Mama. They can love playing outside just as much with some old pots and pans. It’s true, we might someday purchase a mud kitchen. But right now, it’s not in the budget. Nor is a bigger backyard, or many of the other beautiful outdoor toys I see hearContinue reading “What They Really Need…is a Mud Kitchen?”
Surprisingly Simple
Alphabet Magnet Boards for the win over here. What surprisingly simple toy keeps your kids engaged for more time than you ever thought it would? #Simplify #Simplicity #Toys #LearningToys #Alphabet #Homeschool #UrbanHomeschool #ParentingTips
Forge Your Own Path
Sometimes, Mama, you have to forgo the typical way of doing things and forge your own path. Maybe that’s doing schoolwork outside (or up a tree). Maybe it’s leaning on frozen food or paper plates instead of choosing between takeout and homemade. Maybe it’s napping on a Sunday afternoon—or sleeping late on a Saturday morning.Continue reading “Forge Your Own Path”
“I’m Bored…”
It’s ok to let them be bored, Mama. The most wonderful play sometimes happens through boredom. In our home, saying “I’m bored” leads to a few suggestions of things to engage in; “Perhaps you want to make an art project? You haven’t built with blocks in awhile. What could you create with Legos?”…or an invitationContinue reading ““I’m Bored…””
Next Door Hope 