The Art of Playing {Homemakers Challenge}

A homemaker does not only care for the needs of the home, but for the people who live there as well. It’s all wrapped up into the same package. When we wrote our mission statements, I defined what a homemaker is, based on dictionary.com. Despite all the Homemakers Challenges we’ve been doing on our homes, we really need to be spending more time focusing on our families.

Our children need our attention and I will admit I am not great about this. Not sure I’m even good at it. It’s shaming [for me] to admit that it’s easier to live a life of default. Or so it seems.

I’m not sure how long it will take me to learn [and act] on this valuable information, but I’ve come across time and again that my children act up when they are not engaged in something productive, structured even. They thrive on routine and regularity. They also have individual needs. After doing the Flag Page Game with them, I have learned my 3 eldest like to be creative with art.  A lot. This speaks volumes as to where I should be putting some focus and energy into helping them channel their energy into what  they love.

I really believe it is imperative to intentionally plan this time with our children. Whether it be an art project, playing a game, reading a story…whatever. If you’re anything like me, you have all these “to do’s” swirling in your head and you get “on a mission”. We have tunnel vision. When a child comes to you with a need for time, do you tell them you are busy, just “need to get this done”? I know I do. I don’t want to do that anymore. I want to make the time and make sure they know they are more important than the house work. (Or have them join me with the housework )

So this leads us into this weeks Homemakers Challenge:

Plan a week of activities to do with your children. It can be collectively (with all your children) or individually (one-on-one). Or, a combination. They don’t need to be extravagant. But whatever you choose to do must be done with your child(ren). You must engage with them. Do the daily activity together.

Here are some ideas, then below that are some resources for even more ideas for young children.

• color
• read a story
• paint a picture
• play-doh
• play a game
• play hide-and-seek
• dance to praise music (my kids love doing this)
• do a puzzle
• plant flowers
• play outside
• anything suited to your child’s interests

Sites for toddlers & preschoolers

Toddler Activities at Home

1+1+1=1

No Time For Flash Cards

Let’s Explore

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How the Homemakers Challenge works:

1. Spend the week completing the challenge
2. Have your post crafted by Thursday to share your challenge: how you did, pictures, challenges you faced, encouragement for others
3. On Thursday link up to the post that I post on my blog, after you’ve completed the challenge. Please be sure to link back to Joyful Mothering on your blog so that others may find us. You may utilize the button below by right clicking, saving it to your computer, uploading it to your blog and inserting my link into it. (I am working on a button code so you no longer have to do this. Be patient with me!)
4. Visit others who have completed the challenge and leave comments of encouragement and motivation!

Happy Playing!!!

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