𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑑𝑜

i am a very hands-on parent and spend a lot of time all day every day with kids but i rarely ever play with them. we are also screen-free. if they want to play, they can. i participate by simply watching them while i fold laundry or read my book. an occasional smile or nod or “i see you are having fun/frustrated/etc.” goes a very long way. if they want my full participation, we can do something i enjoy (read a children’s book i like or they can help me run errands in a leisurely way or assist chores even if it slows me down a ton— kids love to feel helpful! or take a nature walk or bake something together or listen to music i like and dance or water the plants or draw with beeswax crayons or have a picnic or simply talking can be so fun.) when an indoor activity is needed, homemade playdough or magic water painting are hits.