Our 12 weeks of summer have finally come to an end. Today the big explorer starts first grade.
And while he is excited to see friends and begin new challenges, I am sad that this summer’s days of adventuring have drawn to a close. (Of course, the little explorer comes with his own set of adventures …)
Truth is, I had a ton of fun this summer and I’m not quite willing to stop now.
So when I came across a post my friend Bethe wrote about creating your own play bill of rights, I realized I had to do it.
Play shouldn’t end just because the calendar says you’re no longer a kid. At least, that’s what I learned this summer. And that’s what I what my kids to learn, too.
So here’s to me making time for play by writing down my very own Outdoor Play Bill of Rights. I have the right to:
- Make time for fun
- Take my shoes off when I go outside so I can feel the earth beneath my feet
- Go without gloves when I work in the garden
- Pick flowers to keep in a vase on my desk
- Enjoy lunch outdoors (or dessert!) more often
- Sit and watch the birds do their thang
- Be awed at the sight of a spider weaving a web or a hummingbird resting on a tree branch
- Go for a bike ride at least twice a week
- Dream of trips to see wild animals in the wild (it’s been too long since seeing the polar bears in Churchill!)
- Ask someone to take a picture or two of me while I’m out enjoying nature!
As fall begins and the hustle and bustle of school schedules starts up, I hope you’ll make play, exploring, discovering and having fun a very vital part of your life.
Your kids will thank you for it.
@Crystal: Forget cleaning up the patio table – enjoy dessert on a blanket one evening. Keep it simple! 🙂
What a wonderful idea! You could type this up in a fun font, print it out, and hang it someplace prominent in your home! <br /><br />I need to do more spontaneous picnics (lunch or even just snacks) outside w/ my little man…and we really need to put our neglected patio table to use and enjoy some dinners outdoors as a family before the weather changes. Thank you for the inspiration!
@Roy: I LOVE your addition to the list — it's one I need to work on!<br /><br />@Jodi: Glad to hear you're still out there playing, too!<br /><br />@Mel: Who needs fancy furniture? A blanket or cozy step is all I need! 🙂
Love the bill of rights! I really want to eat outside more– we have no outdoor furniture right now but I shouldn't let that stop me, right?!
Nice job on this post Debi. Thanks for sharing. We haven't stopped either. Hit the farm stand and had a picnic/birthday party.
Oh my gosh – we pruned fruit trees this weekend and you should see all the scrapes and cuts on my hands and arms! Let me add one more bullet:<br /><br />I am allowed to take my kids out of school for a long weekend of camping, without feeling guilty.