These Times are Great

Oct 10th, 2008 | By joeyparshley | Category: Advice, Uncategorized

With all the crap going on with respect to the economy, I felt it would be the perfect time to expand on something I have always thought  . . .

It can cost absolutely nothing to have a good time with your kids, yet and can be more rewarding than an all day spa trip with AIG!

Don’t get me wrong, I have taken the trips down to the sunshine state and had a wonderful time. I highly recommend it if you can afford it. However, I am postive that we would have had just as much fun without taking that trip. And my point is, that there is no linear relationship between your children having fun and the price you paid to have it. In fact it may be quite the opposite.

Way too often, whenever we find ourselves home with the kids, it has been the inclination of my wife and I to go to a movie or an indoor playground when we are looking to have some fun. Sure my 9 year old daughter and my 7 year old son have fun, but was it really worth it. After about ten minutes or so, I find that they are usually bored or want us to spend even more money to get something they most likely will lose or break before we even get home. What everyone really needs to know is that it is not the PLACE that gives our children the enjoyment, it is something much more valuable – our time. Just spending the time with your children is a gift that can not be beat. Not even Mickey Mouse can beat that one. In addition this gift is a two way street.

As an example, my son and I had a recent Saturday all to ourselves. Being the 7 year old he is, 10 minutes after my wife and daughter left for the day, he was bored stiff. Of course my first thought was to see what movies were out (after reading the previous paragraph this should not be a surprise to you). Luckily nothing good was playing so I decided to be creative. I am lucky enough to live near Lynn Woods in Massachusetts so I thought he might like to check that out. (those of you who do live in the North Shore of Massachusetts should definitely check it out sometime – http://www.flw.org/). Three hours later I had the best ride home with a little chatterbox who was exploding with enthusiasm about his day. Here is what we did.

  • We walked in the woods.
  • We threw rocks at a stick in the pond.
  • We talked about everything and anything.

Pretty complicated huh? It was an unforgettable time. Nature has so much to offer these little minds and we often over look it. There is so much for them to take in that they never get bored. It was like there was no one else on the planet for the moment. I had his complete attention and most importantly, he had mine. It gave me the opportunity to literally stop and smell the flowers (though my allergies did not like that one). So fellow dads (and moms) what free suggestions do you have that we all could try to help alleviate the stresses of the dollar?

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  • Very well said. We are lucky enough to live in the countryside so our kids (4 and 2) spend most of the time playing outside. My wife also minds other children at home during the week. They are never happier than when outside digging in the sand or filling a bucket with stones. I still laugh when I see the parents arriving with the kids, their bags and their wellington boots and rain gear. They have absolutely no interest in watching tv, which, at times is not neccessarily a good thing, as it could provide a bit of quiet time for us. Although, now that I think about it, they do enjoy having a go on the computer, babytype for the younger ones and puzzles etc on Nickelodeon for the older ones. I think they just prefer to be involved in whats going on rather than just observing. You are absolutely right about them just wanting to spend time with us. Playing hide and seek, chasing around after each other and lifting them up in the air all provide great fun for young kids and it's good for you too. Just think about all the extra activity you can do with them, you could save on gym fees by working out with your kids instead.
  • The box thing is so true. My boys had a blast building a fort from a large boxi n our living room two weeks ago. I'm a mess-tolerant mother, so it's still standing. One of my boys added a library and closet into the hut and even sleeps in there some nights.

    I love taking my kids to a nearby forest preserve. They always whine when I tell them we are headed there, but then have a blast doing just what yours did- hiking around and throwing things in the water. They are electonric game/screen addicts, so always get a secret thrill (or is it relief) when I see them having low-tech fun.
  • Great thoughts, Joey, and a great reminder that the best things in life are FREE -- especially from a child's point of view. How many times has the BOX been more fun than the TOY, or a rock, stick or sea shell a better prize than anything you could buy in a store. Thanks for sharing!
  • Joey,

    An amazing post! What a great reminder to all that what our kids really want/need is OUR time!! I love the simplicity of your day wpent with your son! "More" is not always better, just as "complexity" is not always better. As you demonstrated, sometimes the simplicity of our interactions with our kids is all that is needed for quality time together.

    Plus, the recipricol that we get from our kids (especially in your example), is a lesson on how creativity can spark a wonderful experience!! Children are full of creative spirit, yet sometimes we fail to encourage them to unleash it. I think many adults can learn so many lessons from children: the first being to not forget our own, creative, child-like playfullness!

    Again, great post Joey.
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