Do You Want to Build a Snowman?
Do You Want To Build A Snowman?What Snow Days Teach Us: The Importance of Play
A snow day is a rare occurrence in south Louisiana. I have been a resident of this fine state since January 2005 and this is the second time I've seen snow; the first time I've seen such an accumulation like what we had a few weeks ago. And, believe it or not...we may even see some more next week!If you're anything like me, your social media feeds were filled with beautiful and amazing pictures of friends and their loved ones loving their lives, making the most of this momentous occasion. It was the best day on Facebook in a loooooong time! :)
All of this got my wheels turning about some things. What is it that snow days have to teach us? What is it about the snow that calls out our desire to make the most of those moments? Here's what I learned...
Play clarifies what is important. Snow days completely throw a halt on our regular activities. We have no choice but to stay home and connect with those we are hulled up with. Suddenly, everything that seemed urgent goes to the back-burner and you're left with realizing that all you need to focus on in the fun right in front of you. This is a rare gift!
Play is powerful. It requires us to be present and cast off our "cool." True and deep connection thrives in the midst of play. The only cool/famous social worker out there, Dr. Brene Brown, has researched the effects of play in relationships. Here's a great article she wrote that explains this idea further. Dr. Brown states, "doing things just because they’re fun and not because they’ll help achieve a goal — is vital to human development." Play is one of the keys to creativity and whole-hearted living (Daring Greatly). If you haven't read her work, you should!
Your presence is required. That snowman isn't going to build itself! While you can live vicariously through social media if you must (like...if you have the flu or a broken leg, heaven forbid), there really is no substitute to layering up and stock piling snowballs for the big fight. And you can't pack a good snowball with a cell phone or remote in your hand, obviously!
Time is of the essence. The snow is melting! These moments come so infrequently. Give it all you've got! There is literally no telling when another moment like this will come. Go out and wrangle your own joy. No substitutes allowed!
Experiences build bonds...not stuff! In the midst of this holiday season, the truth is that your kids will almost certainly forget by Valentines day what you got them for Christmas. But they will remember your undivided attention, laughter and joy in play...you can bank that.
Shared misery is bonding! Nearly getting frostbite on the tips of your toes and fingers and experiencing the shriek inducing sensation of 1,000 tiny needles poked into you is a ridiculous memory you won't soon forget. Freezing your tail off while playing in the snow is a hilarious moment that is bonding...in the same way that a miserable night's sleep in the tent in your back yard is bonding. Every insanely awful moment as a family will end up making it's way to the highlight reel shared over holiday meals for years to come.
The most important lesson of the snow day is this:You don't have to wait for snow! Find another outlet of shared joy. (Or misery! Either way works, actually. ;) ) Pick something you could more easily replicate and that isn't entirely weather restricted, of course. The most important part is that you take the lessons you learned from the snow day and apply them to other family activities. You won't ever regret it!
For non-weather driven play activities, check out the Red Stick Mom's Blog! They keep a calendar of family-friendly activities going on in the area. You can always make your own fun, of course, but if you need help with ideas, this is a great place to start!
Counseling appointments in Walker, Louisiana and Baton Rouge are always available and you can take your first step in scheduling here.