Sometimes I take pictures that literally nobody but me would care about. Maybe my kids’ grandparents, if the kids are the subject, which is the case this time around.
This was such a rare moment. The kids were so absorbed in washing the car that they didn’t mind me snapping photos or even directing them a little bit. The baby was content to chomp leaves on a picnic blanket in the front yard. We weren’t on a schedule and had nowhere to be. Nobody was watching me, so I didn’t feel self-conscious or uncomfortable getting into weird positions or taking my time. If the images turned out garbage, it didn’t matter at all. There was absolutely no pressure, which meant I could just…play.
Confession: I struggle with playing. If I’m a little bit tired or stressed or anxious or simply feel like it’s my job to be “the responsible one,” it’s really hard for me to let loose and mess around. Which stinks, because playing is fun! And it begets more play! And I would really like to feel more relaxed joy and less anxiety, please and thank you! I’m pretty sure the people I live with would also like that for me. Nobody likes a grumpy stick in the mud.
As tough as it is to get out of my cycle of unplayfulness (which is totally a word, even if spell check disagrees), it’s something I’m actively working on.
And if all that takes is filling a bucket with soapy water and letting the kids go to town on my minivan so I can hover with my camera? Everybody wins!
Best way to involve your kids with you.