Children See, Children Do…

November 4, 2009

It’s amazing the power a simple Public Service Announcement (PSA) can have. This one really knocked my socks off, so I wanted to take the opportunity to share it with TGSG readers.

We talk here so often about modeling appropriate behavior — letting the kids in your world see the capacity for joy, the appreciation for nature, playfulness, and unplugging and making time for real-life connections. These too, provoke powerful images.

Regardless of the label you wear – parent, teacher, neighbor, or aunt — you have the opportunity every day to be the best version of you and share that with the children in your world, and with each other.

Whether we like to think of ourselves as role models or not, we are all role models for someone. One a given day, it might be the person in line behind you at the store, who sees you treat a clerk with courtesy and kindness. Or your son, who sees you treat women with respect or sees the peace and happiness you find fishing at a favorite spot.

What do you have to pass on — to model? What act of joy and kindness can you share with the world today? And tomorrow?

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

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By Bethe | Posted in Perspectives, parenting | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments (51)

Are You a Road Block to Play?

September 21, 2009

Today, there are so many great people lending their voices to the play movement. Educators, pediatricians, the Department of Health and Human Services, and great organizations like the Alliance for Childhood, the International Play Association, and others.

I encourage you to watch the video above and think about the play opportunities in the lives of the children in your world. Are they ample enough? Child-led and directed? Or, perhaps not so much?

What adjustments can you make to your attitudes, behaviors, and choices to allow more time and space for true play (e.g. non-organized sports and activities)? How can you lend your voice to the play movement? I’ve got a few tips if you need them.

And remember, play isn’t just for kids, it’s important across the lifespan. This means you too, my fellow grown-ups. What actions can you take to make room for play in your life?

Lots to ponder. Might I suggest you do so outside, under a favorite tree or while on a walk in the woods?

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

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By Bethe | Posted in Perspectives | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments (13)

10 Questions: Are You Fun-Deprived?

August 19, 2009

squaredzinnia

With summer almost at an end, my mind is turning to the school year and with that, to quizzes and homework. So, I’ve decided to give my beloved Grass Stain Guru readers a little quiz. (Don’t worry — no state capitals, long division, or questions on Shakespeare.)

Ask yourself the following questions. Be honest with yourself about the answers.

When is the last time you:

  1. Went barefoot (outside)?
  2. Did something just for the fun of it?
  3. Hung out with your best friend?
  4. Laughed until you ________? (Insert snorted, cried or wheezed — whichever is a sure sign that you are laughing uncontrollably.)
  5. Took a walk in the woods or went for a bike ride?
  6. Left the chores for a bit and picked play over housework?
  7. Did something creative that was for you and not your job?
  8. Took some quiet time for yourself , unplugged and alone?
  9. Bought yourself flowers (Yes, even the fellas!)?
  10. Took a day trip to museum, state or national park, botanical garden, or other place you love?

If it’s been awhile since you have done many of these activities, you my friends, are fun-deprived. If you can’t remember the last time you did any of these things, then we have a serious Grass Stain Emergency on our hands!

So here’s your homework: Put some life back into living. Make a list of five activities or actions you can commit to do over the next week to put some playtime into your schedule and a little extra joy in your coffers. It will pay off in spades, I promise. If you are a parent or caregiver, it is so important to make sure that you take some time for yourself and have fun for fun’s sake! If you’re neither of those things, it is still vitally important — play is a key ingredient to health and happiness across the lifespan.

It doesn’t matter what is on your pledge — just take the time to look at your life and add in more time for play, joy, and laughter. Happiness as homework: nothing wrong with that.

I would love to see your pledges, so I encourage you to share them here in the comments section. Add your @name if you are on Twitter, so we can check-in on each other and see how we are doing with our assignments.

Now get to work, errr, I mean PLAY!

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru
Creative Commons License photo credit: zizzybaloobah

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By Bethe | Posted in Perspectives | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (19)