I do not like to play.
I do not like to play.
Gasp! What a horrible mom.
I guess I should say, I do not like to play, but I do it anyway.
I am a busy work-from-home mom. I work for an advertising agency. I also blog, tweet, take care of the house, do laundry, run errands, and cook meals. I also take time out each day to play with Amelia.
Granted, it may not be for long. 30-45 minutes of undivided attention from me makes her day. I find a way to stop what I am doing and let her take the reins. During this time, she directs our play. Sometimes, if my schedule looks clear, we go out to a playground or indoor play center. I encourage her to venture out, to have confidence playing alone. I will also find moments to join her. To interact. To cheer her on as she climbs a tower or chase her as she runs and giggles. I admit, I do not love it. But the joy on her face breaks down my walls and forces a smile. Those moments are priceless.
Eight or nine times out of ten, do you know what happens?
We meet "the clingy kid". A kid, usually much older than my own, whom is so enamored by a mom in the mix of kids, he/she becomes my shadow. Many times, this kid will approach and ask,
"Will you play with me?"
A question posed not to 3-year-old Amelia, but to 33-year-old me.
Here is another confession...
I completely avoid this kid.
Gasp! How terrible!
I do not want the responsibility of entertaining someone else's child. I generally answer with, "I need to watch my daughter today." And the clingy kid? Usually follows me for a few minutes (or more) before finally turning away.
Maybe this is wrong of me... but I don't. like. playing.
I do what I can - as happily as possible - for my own child, but entertaining one I've never met? Just goes a step too far. However, the clingy kid tugs at my heartstrings. I wonder, why is this little guy/girl craving attention? Do they get undivided attention at home? Are they crying out for parental involvement? Trust me, I am not that cool. Why ask to play with me?
Maybe they are simply lacking social skills?
Why does this happen so often?
Do you know the clingy kid?
4 comments:
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Oh, thank you for this post!!! I am now home with my little one and writing, and all day my beautiful son interrupts me with an armful of figures and stuffed animals with the ageless question, "Mommy will you play with me?" HIs older brother is at school. I gaze at the toys and groan - outwardly and inwardly! I don't want to play!! Reading is fine, drawing is fine, but I don't feel like playing!! And I ALWAYS avoid that kid in the playground. Hmm, maybe this is why I blog on the site 4badmommies - lol!! Like you, I get flashes of joy and gratitude, but I need to write and do other things. Can't they play more with themselves!!!
Hi i'm a new follower from Monday Mingle,would be great if you would follow me back ?
When I was teaching, I always had kids hang on me at playground time. They had this awesome playground and 21 classmates. I never understood why they didn't go play.
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