Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Boo bee baa baa boo baa beeeep

This is what aliens say. I know, because I was an alien recently for a solid hour.

My children dragged me around the playstructure, laughing hysterically at my attempts to communicate. I ran headlong into the stairs repeatedly (the ole "let your toe hit it first and act like you hit your konk" trick) to general delight. I couldn't figure out the slide. Monkey bars were an enigma. The swings were just right out. Da Boyz were thrilled to 'teach me how to play.'

I learned a lot.

I learned that When You Play, you play with abandon. It does not matter that your house isn't closed yet and you miss your husband so much you can't think of him without crying. It does not matter that you are Grown Up and Above Such Things. It doesn't even matter when other kids and moms start showing up.
Have you noticed this? Social etiquette at the playground dictates that moms must stand around, watching concernedly after their children with arms crossed, feet apart. Chit chat is optional. Being dignified is crucial.

Dads are not like this. Dads get down on the ground and PLAY. Dads go down the slide and Monster them, getting grass stains and not caring about it.

(Moms do this too, but not with other moms around. Honestly, what would they THINK?!)
(Answer: probably jealousy.)

So the other day, Little Prince and I went to the park. Just him and me. I decided to let loose and just do whatever he did, without caring about ... anything.


We pirated. We dragoned. We tagged. We swung. We picnicked and aliened and tickled and did it all again.

(I was tired.)

On the way home, we belted out Daniel Powter and Weezer along to the radio (he knew all the words) grinning at each other in the mirror. When we pulled up in the driveway, he scrunched up his freckles and said,
"I love you, Mom."
Dang. Sometimes - just sometimes - I'm really good at this.

18 comments:

Melanie Jacobson said...

I think you're really good at this.

Jan said...

That is so awesome. I love to cut loose too. I think that the kids bring that to their own table as they get older because of it too. When they see you be like that, they are able to cut loose too. Great job.

Tobi said...

The playground is no place for dignified behavior. Way to show all those other "cool" mom's up!!!

LisAway said...

Really? Even in America the moms just stand (or sit) and watch? Huh. Now I know. I thought it was a Polish thing. Although I guess when I babysat I realized that I was the only one running around with the kids at the park/playground.

Nice work. Thanks for reminding me I need to enter their world more often than I do instead of always wanting them to be in mine.

Brittany Ann said...

Aw! You're such a great mom! Good for you. I need to try this.

Unknown said...

Beautifully written!! And those freckles? KILLER!

I can tell you why a lot of those moms don't play: They're out of shape! Playing the way a kid plays is EXHAUSTING! I'm in awe of your obvious buffness!

And I've used my allotment of exclamation marks, so I'll calmly tell you that I'm missing my husband, too. Here's a psychic hug, GF. Hope you get to see him soon.

Wonder Woman said...

The last time we were at the park, there was a mom playing tag with her kids. And mine. She was even there with friends and still played with her kids.

Women like that are my heroes. In fact, in between reading your post and writing this comment, I played with my kids. You always make me a better Mom. Thanks, Girl.

p.s. hope the home closes are you are no longer single soon. ♥♥

Kimberly Vanderhorst said...

You rock. I'm the mom sitting on the bench clapping and cheering them on, but forgetting joining in is an option.

Shelley said...

It's hard not to copy earlier responses, but you are a good mom.

Perpetual Mommy Exhaustion said...

If your kids know the words to Weezer, than you are far cooler than any dignified woman at the playground.

Rachel Sue said...

You're right.

And who started the whole dignified mom stance at the park, any way?

Melissa P said...

I have forgotten that we need to go play with our kids too. I need to do that more often. Thanks for the reminder.

Julie Beddoes said...

funny... that is the exact opposite of my family. I play, dad stands around and worries about them getting hurt. Glad to be different though!

Lisha said...

Having three boys, you either join them and understand them or stand around and alienate yourself (not the play aliens mind) and not have fun. I'm into play too!

charrette said...

This? Is fabulous.

More moms should learn to play -- and love -- with this kind of reckless abandon.

Shellie said...

Good job! Gotta get in that play time!

Mommadj5 said...

When my boys were older the only way I could really get them to "open up" to me was to shoot hoops with them in the driveway. Amazing how they began to talk after awhile - "playing" comes in all forms and pays wonderful dividends!

* said...

Great thoughts! Is this your new blog or a sub blog of your other blog? It's sweet!!