booandbunny

Once we allowed the kids to start exploring their interests the decision to limit each to one activity was a no-brainer for us. We’re the kind of people who need a bit of nothing at regular intervals. Nothing can mean five people in five different rooms exploring five different adventures or nothing can mean five people on one sofa watching a movie for the 500^th time. So activities now have us out three nights a week: karate, gymnastics and soccer. The body should be able to change direction at all times.

But, in the rhythm of the week our busy days have helped the kids appreciate free time. Lately on Tuesdays they come in from the bus and shout a few things at me as they shed the day’s weight before turning upstairs to play with Mr. 4, who has been waiting for them.

Then amazing sounds wash down to the kitchen: their laughter … the plot line of their collective imagination … a few skirmishes when Ms. 7 tries to get the pirates to marry the Barbies or when Mr. 6 tries to crush the pirates with his knights and strip the Barbies. But mostly they are just glad to be together. Every once in a while the skirmishes take over. They are kids. One great thing about them getting older is that they tend to work these things out themselves … or be sent to their own rooms. The greatest punishment I can give them at these times is to say that they can’t be together.

// posted by HoBess @ 2/14/2006 02:33:00 PM