WORK V. PLAY… which are you?

“Mama? Will you play with me?”

I hear those words many times a day from my kiddos… even if we have been hanging out together all day long!

I homeschool, so my children see me constantly. But seeing me all day doesn’t guarantee a “playtime” with my children. Some days are full of “go here – do that” and other days are spent playing “catch up” from the “go here – do that” days! We work an awful lot around here. School stuffs and cleaning house are always on the menu. Then there are the extra-curricular stuffs: gymnastics, co-op, bell choir, youth group stuffs (church and homeschool), grocery store trips, etc.

Work IS important. BUT…

What about PLAY?

Play is just as important as WORK! According to this article in USATODAY (http://travel.usatoday.com/news/story/2012-05-23/Would-be-vacationers-too-often-saddled-with-work-to-play/55173306/1), Americans have a bad habit of NOT using all their vacation time.

We need time to relax and spend with my family. Even if that is a game of Bologna, charades or Dancing with the Stars on the Wii!

We need unplug. Maybe for a whole day, half a day or even just a few hours.

NO computer. NO smart phone. NO ipod/ipad/iwhatever. 

Ecclesiastes 3 tells us that there is a time for EVERYTHING. Everything means a time to work and a time to play, too!

Kids and adults need time to play and explore the creative spirit that God has placed in all of us.

Only you and your family can decide what constitutes play time. What about dancing? Painting? Listening to music or creating music together? Just sitting around and talking/listening to each other?

If you are good at keeping “play” an integral part of your life, what do you do to keep work and play balanced?

And if you are not good at keeping the two balanced, what will you do change the tide?

For more articles on this topic:

http://www.moolanomy.com/6159/keeping-balance-work-play-income-spending-kmulligan/

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20056147/ns/health-childrens_health/t/should-preschools-teach-all-work-no-play/

Photo credit: © Paha_l | Stock Free Images & Dreamstime Stock Photos

1. Donna Earnhardt says:

   October 24, 2012 at 1:21 am

   So glad the post spoke to y’all! I was reminded, as I wrote it, that I need to have more freestyle playtime with my kids. Structured stuff is good… but just free flowing time where we walk, talk, throw leaves, etc. They love that as much as going for a bike ride!

   Reply
2. write2ignite says:

   October 22, 2012 at 9:33 pm

   As an adult learning how to play (and enjoy it) was a difficult lesson for me. I’m quite serious minded, and not prone to impulsiveness, so the Lord had to teach me how wonderful laughter and relaxation are for both my physical and spiritual health.

   Having 7 gorgeous grandkids helps me out a lot. They ALL (regardless of age) love to just play.

   Thanks, Donna.
   Jean

   Reply
3. Kathy Rupff says:

   October 22, 2012 at 2:15 pm

   Hi Donna, Recently decided to unplug from email and not go on every day. LOVED your article, and perfect timing for me to hear this. Thanks so much for sharing!

   Reply
4. Janice D. Green says:

   October 21, 2012 at 2:33 pm

   Play has a way of refreshing and re-energizing us like nothing else can do. I’m aware of my own need for making deliberate choices to play so my work can be more productive.

   Reply
5. Linda Andersen says:

   October 21, 2012 at 7:18 am

   Donna,

   I know you find a way to make work fun. I can only imagine how fun your play time is.

   I need to play more but one thing I can say is that even though my writing may be work, it’s fun work. I love it.

   Linda A.

   Reply
6. joycemoyerhostetter says:

   October 20, 2012 at 9:26 pm

   I’m trying to pull myself away from the computer more. Having the grands over insures some play time and I did go to the beach last week.

   I should read more for pure pleasure, though.

   Reply