Fly
Kites TogetherIT HAS BEEN SAID THAT PLAY IS VALUABLE WORK FOR CHILDREN, and if you have ever watched a three-month-old baby intently involved with hand play, you understand why. The baby examines his hands closely, noticing patterns, colors, shapes, and sounds. Play is meaningful, creative, and a vital component of a child’s development. Through play children develop social skills, interact with playmates, resolve conflicts, and express their thoughts and feelings, gain knowledge, and use their imaginations. They will do this alone, with siblings, friends, strangers, and with you. From peek-a-boo to marbles to hopscotch, playing with your children will lighten your day.Enjoying spontaneous, uninhibited play is a natural and refreshing expression of your vitality. When you allow your adult worries and responsibilities to subside for a while, a miracle of togetherness happens and lasting memories are made. Playing with your children does not have to be expensive nor a day-long affair. No fancy toys are needed, nor elaborate plans. Deborah taught her kids to juggle using marshmallows; Tony looks forward to the summer months when he can play scotch, an updated version of hide-n-seek, with his kids and the neighbors. A lighthearted pillow fight while you change the beds, or a quick game of tag in the backyard—spontaneous, fun for everyone, and good exercise too!
Jack grew up in a poor family in a small beach town. Even with little money, he never felt deprived because his family always found ways to play. Flying handmade kites together on the beach was one way. Each year he and his sister and five brothers, along with their parents, would participate in the annual kite festival. They’d spend months designing and constructing their kites, and hours practicing trick flying. The trophies and ribbons they won were displayed in a glass case. The recognition was nice, they were thrilled when they won, but what Jack remembers most was just being together. Now, as a father, Jack makes sure that playing with his children is part of every week—he’s even bought his eleven month old a kite.
Flying kites together makes you feel free and joyous. As the wind takes hold of the kite, you can feel it on your body, gently rocking you back and forth. The sky quietly accepts you, surrounding you and protecting you. You become a child yourself and your spirit is set free. When you disappear with the clouds, the dividing line between you and your child dissolves. Look at the clouds and share the stories they tell. Run with the wind, or roll on the ground. There are no rules, just freedom. You can’t force a kite; you just have to accept where the winds take it. A wonderful metaphor for life.
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