Article by Wendy McCance
One of the best parts of being a parent is spending time playing with your kids. Having an opportunity to feel like a kid again is priceless. Spending time with your kids enjoying their company through play creates memories that will last a lifetime.
Yesterday my husband and I took the kids over to the grandparents house to do some swimming. We have had several weeks of cool temperatures and a ton of rain, so really getting the most out of a true summer day was the best.
Earlier in the day I had gone up to the local high school with my son to get in some tennis. We were so hot by the time we were done that swimming seemed like the best option.
When my son and I got home, we announced that we were going swimming and everyone ran around in a wild rush to grab their suits and get out the door.
The pool was terrific. The water was just warm enough to avoid a chill but remained refreshing. I got in the pool with my two youngest kids and for several hours just played with them. We made up games, had races and showed off our swimming skills to each other.
My oldest daughter sat on a float in the pool, sunglasses on and sunned herself. She was amused by the fact that I was more of a kid in the pool than her.
This got a discussion going about how I am like a little kid when ever I get in the pool. Honestly, I love swimming more than any other sport. I just want to make the most out of the experience and when I get to play with the kids in the pool, I feel like I’m in heaven. It’s that opportunity to connect with the kids on a completely different level. We are our truest selves just enjoying each others company. These are the times that make the biggest impression on me, and I’m sure for them too.
It got me thinking about the times I have the most fun with my children. Sometimes we will grab the bikes and go for a bike ride. The best times are when we ride up to the pond and watch the ducks and pack a picnic. It feels like a great adventure. There’s nothing like having fun in the most basic of ways. There is just something about feeling a thrill just from doing something where you aren’t spending money just to have someone or something amuse you. All the fun is created from our imagination and appreciation of what is around us.
I feel so lucky that I haven’t lost that playful side. I never became so grown-up that I forgot what it’s like to be a kid. I have stayed in touch with the memories of my own best times growing up and have shared those times with the kids.
In a world of video games, cable tv, computers and plunking money down in hopes of having some fun, I love that I have shared a different side of what life is all about with the kids. The kids are growing up with a love of books, they enjoy bike rides, playing tennis and know the joy of playing in a pool.
I think the greatest legacy I am handing down to the kids is the simple appreciation and a love for the basics in life. I wouldn’t change a thing.
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Wendy McCance
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Wendy - I can attest that you will always be able to be a kid. Once your children grow up you become a grandma and are at your third kid stage…. It is never ending fun and you can send them home afterward.
It sounds wonderful. I think I will love being a grandparent someday.
I have always enjoyed the company of all my children and now my grandchildren and now my daughters are the same.
That’s wonderful. I can’t wait to see some grandkids some day.
I love swimming too
Spending time with my kids away from electronics is always nice!
I totally agree!!
Good for You! Gotta say that, given your other articles about your physical health challenges, I’m a bit surprised yet also encouraged by your ability and commitment to exercise and fully express ‘the child in you’. Thanks again for your positive, life-affirming example. It’s good for you -*- and good for others as well -*-
Thanks Jay. I have to laugh, after swimming I was beyond worn out. I came home and went right to bed. I guess my secret is I stay pretty sedentary and save up for those quick outings with the kids. It’s just finding your balance.