Muffins with Mom – The family that plays together

A family shopping trip

Are you familiar with the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child?” Often it is not just parents raising their children, but extended family, friends and neighbors also pitch in. I experienced this adage of the village raising a child as we drove my son 600 miles to his college destination.

Leaving their responsibilities behind to accompany my road trip were my mother and my brother. This small village made the trip less of a challenge. There were five of us jammed in a Ford Taurus, sitting so close that I could easily smell the watermelon candy on my sons’ breath.

Sleeping on each other’s shoulder, shopping and sharing stories were part of the ties that bind. We spent time laughing at each other and ourselves. You may have heard the saying, “the family that plays together stays together.” It sounds simple, but how often do we become busy and put off playing with our child or doing something together?

 

 

I read an article that said playing together may open a line of communication easier than anything else you try. While sitting at a restaurant we cracked jokes as we waited for our food to arrive. This created a relaxed atmosphere that allowed us to slip in conversations about serious topics.

 

Playing together creates a deeper sense of family and memories are created. Making time to play together could be the thing that makes the difference in your child’s life.

Here’s a poem I can across recently about families.

A Tribute to Family

By Michelle A. Moran

 

I don’t know when it started,

Or how it all began.

But God created families,

As only our Lord can.

He was teaching what it means,

To love, honor and obey.

He wanted a strong bond,

That we don’t see too much today.

He wanted someone to hold us,

And show respect for others.

He wanted someone who’s be gentle,

And so He created mothers.

He wanted someone strong,

A support filled with love.

And so He created fathers,

Sent from heaven up above.

Brothers and sisters came next,

With that, an instant friend.

Someone to look up to,

Someone on who to depend.

When we put them all together,

He was amazed at what he’s done,

He had created a family,

Mother, father, daughter and son.

But look at the family,

Created by only two.

How many we’ve become,

And all because of you.

We have a lot to be thankful for,

The memories through the years.

The many times together,

Full of laughter, full of tears.

I don’t know where we’d be today,

If it weren’t for the two of you.

To show us strength, support and love,

Like only the two of you can do.

In today’s times, our families are often non-traditional. It takes a village to raise a child. Be sure your village takes time to play together as a family. It will make a difference.