Making Time for Play
I remember getting my first smart phone 6 years ago. I was so excited at the prospect of being able to work remotely. Not being tied to my computer all day waiting for emails to come through. Fast forward 6 years and I’ve found that I have become a bit addicted reliant on my iPhone. And I have begun to resent it. However, as an owner of two businesses who relies on staying connected I can’t seem to kick the habit.
I recently read an article that said to think of play time as an investment in your children. It helps to develop your child’s confidence by dropping what you are doing and just playing with them. It shows them that what they are doing is important. The problem is I don’t like to play. I love spending time with my kids and doing art projects and going to the park. I like to play on my own terms. But, I can’t stand to play cars or trains or dinosaurs. I just keep thinking I have laundry to do, dinner to cook, things to clean, email to answer. I am sad to admit that nearly every single time Brayden asks me to play I either give him an excuse as to why I can’t or I suggest we do something else. Or I start to play with him and five minutes later I have my iPhone out checking my email.
As a business owner I am always busy. There is always something to be done. However, my kids are young once. And I don’t want them to remember me as the mom who was always looking at her phone saying “One more minute”. What am I going to do about it? For starters I deleted Facebook and Twitter from my phone (I can’t delete Instagram!). I’ve also deleted all of my favorite games. I am making a conscious effort to put my phone on my desk or up on a counter so I am not tempted to look at it. When Brayden asks me to play, I will play. Laundry can wait. Emails can wait. I am going to cherish this time that he wants me to play with him. Because I know soon enough the tables will turn and I will be begging my kids to give me some attention.
Canon 5D Mark II, 50 1.2
F 2.0, 1/400, ISO 250
About DrewB
I’ve started this blog as a way to connect with other moms who love photography. Whether you are a professional photographer who is looking for advice on how to manage your own business and your family or if you are a mom who is looking for tips on how to take better pictures of your kids, I hope that you can find some good information and be inspired!
I absolutely love this picture! I saw it on your instagram and thought it was just beautiful! Glad it was in focus
I might have to delete FB from my phone too. I’ve been being better at hanging with the kids without my phone (my girl loves card games now after dinner!) but I’m still super guilty of it. Blah.
Well said, momma! I try to leave my phone downstairs with my purse so that I don’t look at it when I’m on the 2nd floor (where we spend most of our time). You are right, they are only this age once. And yes, one day they won’t want to spend time with us!
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I only keep Instagram on my phone as well, and the rule is I only check it when I’m not with the kids or at night once they are in bed. My kids always want my attention so I try my best, but I too am guilty of wanting to do the dishes or cook dinner or do laundry but there are days when I say “to heck with everything” and we play and those are the days that I know they will remember, not whether the house was clean. I can’t imagine how much harder it is as a business owner.
This year I am taking the One Little Word class and chose ‘present’ as my word for just this reason! I am working hard at unplugging and being more present in my son’s life and my marriage.
It is amazing what you don’t miss by not checking Facebook every three seconds!
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I don’t have internet on my phone for that very reason.
It can be so easy to take time for granted. I have two boys ages 7 and 1. I love watching The Gift of an Ordinary Day on youtube whenever find I need a litte reminder to cherish every second with them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olSyCLJU3O0
I am guilty of making excuses or redirecting when my kids ask me to play, even though I do love doing other things with them! I do love it when moms share reminders to take a moment to stop and play. Nancy – loved that video!!
I want you to know how good it makes me feel to know that I’m not the only momma out there who doesn’t like to “play.” Arts and crafts, outings outside, reading…I don’t mind doing those things, but for some reason, I have the hardest time playing with my girl (she’s 3 1/2). And she constantly wants to imagine games with puppies and horses, and I love her little imagination and I love her to pieces, but gah! I can only “imagine” so much. Soooo, thanks for writing that. I too have been making an effort to keep the phone out of my reach during play time. I figure if I can devote even 30 minutes of undivided attention to her then I’m not a terrible momma. Thank you for keeping it real and OMG! I love that shot…saw it on Instagram, but so much greater on the “big screen.”
You are NOT alone with your view of playing with kids. I’m proud of you for admitting it, because I think a lot of moms dread “pretend play time” as well, but just don’t speak up. I remember thinking I was the only mom who couldn’t stand playing doll house or barbie or other “Let’s Pretend!” games with my oldest daughter. We have found ways to spend quality time together with compromise.
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Thank you so much Drew for this post. I’m constantly learning what it means to put a pause on the things that don’t matter and enjoy moments that do matter. Being a new mom it’s very frustrating. Could you do a blog post on your work schedule? Whenever I think I have a work schedule down something changes. I’ve learned to take it day by day. I’m used to consistency, but since being a mom I’m learning I have to be flexible. Just curious on how you make it work. Thanks for always being an inspiration!! Your kids are lucky have awesome parents!!
Oh Drew, by the time I got down to that precious picture, I had chill bumps! Wow! Great post, great shot!
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