Latter my twelve year old came into my room and complained that her little sister was making it impossible to get her work. I told her that she could play with her sister but then would have to finish her work.
I think that the work is important ad she has to get it done. But I think the play is important as well and the bond they develop could last them a life time. They are sisters and like all sisters they fight, but I want them to remember the good times more than the bad.
Besides the twelve year old really surprised me and deserved praise. When the four year old started to play with her with all of her might. The twelve year old, who prefers playing to work any day of the work, tried to fulfill her role in the family and complete her chores before she played anything. I appreciate that.
And like most kids these days my children would rather be on the TV or the computer than just about anything else. So when they want to go to the park or just play with each other in a more traditional manner that is great. I don't think that technology is bad in moderation but it does not fulfill they same role as traditional play.
Old fashion play of course is good for over all physical play. I remember when I was a kid my mom told me I watched to much TV and she was probably right but I also spent hours at a time outside playing with my friends. When I hear those public service spots that tell kids to get out and play for at least one hour every day I can hardly believe it. Very few kids had to be told that when I grew up but today is so different. Now its not just watching five or six stations on network schedules. Now you can watch anything at any time and play a myriad of games that would have seemed impossible to me when I was growing up. They have so many electronic option these days it is no wonder that so many kids are staying. indoors and not playing like we used to. I also believe that in general the parents today are much more protective than they used to be, We don't want bad things to happen to our kids so we keep them close to us but that can lead to more harm than good much of the time.
Another reason that we need to encourage our kids to get out of the house is that the traditional social interaction you get from traditional play is good healthy an cannot be replicated from social interactions you get from online relationships. Not that social sites can't be a good thing but they just can't replace the old fashion in person relationships and in excess they can be harmful.
Now don't get me wrong. My twelve year old will have to finis her chores but she can have some fun as well. Her relationship with her younger sister is as important as developing a good work ethic and keeping the house clean. Both are essential and have to be nourished.
I send my love out to everyone.