Play is for Parents Too

I recently took a couple of extra days after the long weekend, to re-set my wellbeing and connect with 'self'.  Life can get beyond busy and often leave us with not much left in the tank for others, especially family.

Over the past few weeks the Curiosity Staff Team and I have been 'Checking In' with each other, sharing our wellbeing and professional goals.  It is encouraging to hear such thoughtful considerations of our team as they identify that when their 'cups are full' there is more than reserves available for others.  Through this process with the team, I have become hugely aware that my own wellbeing goals have needed some significant attention.  

I recently read this blog by the Parent Cue last week:  

"There’s no doubt that play is vital for a kid's mental and physical health. As parents, we spend countless hours and resources ensuring that our kids have opportunities to laugh, experience new things, and challenge their growing brains. But as adults, we forced play out of our lives thinking we had to choose between work and fun.

Psychiatrist and researcher Dr. Stuart Brown explains that play shapes our brain, helps us foster empathy, helps us navigate complex social groups, and is at the core of creativity and innovation. Dr. Brown goes on to say that “the opposite of play isn’t work—the opposite of play is depression.” 

This means play is important for parents, too.

Our kids are growing up in the same culture that values exhaustion as a status symbol. But as they see their parents choosing a healthy approach to play, fun, and rest, they will grow up learning to choose it as well." 

As parents we don't always consider 'play' to be a term that refers to our leisure time, however as you reflect on how your weeks look, I wonder where you might have time to 'play' and consider what this might look like.  

For me, I have taken up pilates (more laughter than stretching at this point) and am trying my hand at making sourdough with my own active ingredients.  I'll let you know how it goes (this photo is my inspiration).

I pray that you find time to play and find joy in your weeks.