Finding Time to Hang Out

How often do you get to just hang out with your kids?  I am not talking about the time you spend doing homework or house chores.  I mean the time when you just do something together with no expectations of checking something off your list.

Do I see a slightly sheepish look on your face?  Don't worry, there is one on my face as well.  I am a goal oriented person, so having an activity accomplish "nothing" makes me twitch.

This weekend I had a lot to get done.  I was at a dead run a large portion of the day.  In the afternoon we went to the park and tried to teach the kids to play tennis.  I say try because it was a victory just to make contact with the ball, but we had a good time.

The funny thing was it was a relaxing time with the kids and there was no discord...unless you count the ball to the face episode...but we won't go there.  In spite of myself, I did accomplish something, I spent time with my kids and taught them to play.

My husband and I have talked about this and I think we are going to find a lot more ways to incorporate play into our lives.  Hanging out with our kids builds memories, it builds unity and it provides a moment of peace in a hectic world.

Did I say I am goal oriented?  Well what better goal could I have?