Muddy the Waters a Bit

What ever happened to the days where rain enabled kids to play in puddles, make mud pies, and kids go outside and play until the sun goes down?

It's rained here a few days and is over 70 degrees, and immediately following rain, there's sunshine, the sounds of kids playing outside, the smell of barbecue, and all I can do is smile as I reminisce on the times I'd rush outside to bike through puddles with friends in the neighborhood, to chase the end of the rainbow, and I'd come home filthy!

Today I took our toddler outside to the playground, and while en route, her first instinct was to run through puddles. My initial thought was, "No way! You're too little and you'll get dirty." But I decided that's no fun, and let her merrily stomp through the water as we walked to the playground, and boy did she giggle with excitement as though it was the best thing in the world. Her joy melts my heart. As we approached the playground and she observed the muddy mulch, she wanted to explore its new texture. I lightened up because after all, that's what the bathtub is for.  I saw the much fun she was having, and how she self-entertained by making mud pies in various shapes and sizes. She wiggling her toes in the mud, and I couldn't help but think about how sad it is that many kids aren't allow these simple gestures because God forbid they get dirty. So many kids don't experience the joys we had as children, because times have changed so drastically that parents would rather their kid stay glued to the television and video game console, not getting any exercise or sunshine in an effort to remain clean. While my style of parenting may be completely different from some, I implore parents to let their child live a little.

My daughter loved playing in this yucky muck so much that she did not want to go inside. Not once did I have to participate. I simply sat back and read a book for two hours as she entertained herself; boy do I wish it would rain more often!  I also wish I could go back to the days when I was this young and didn't have a care in the world; where the only worry was if we had enough people to play kickball; where coming home dirty was just part of being an active kid. Needless to say, playing in muddy waters was so draining for her that following her bath, she's sound asleep and I will continue to read a few more chapters. Have a great weekend.


-OzzyMommy

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