Comments on: the playground as meditation

By: Marilyn

Marilyn — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 07:42:12 +0000

I'll answer your question Meagan! I don't like washing dishes, but with three kids and no dishwasher, and little bench space I have to do it a couple of times a day. Funny thing is that once I get started I usually find it quite meditative. And I often get my best ideas while I'm standing at the kitchen sink. Now I guess I should pick ironing for my next meditation lesson - God knows I hate it with a passion! Marilyn’s last blog post..Paintings I Love

By: Michele

Michele — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:29:46 +0000

Great post! Never thought about “hating the playground” – since I go there so often as a “playground blogger.” But I guess I’m more likely to do your meditation trick and be present in the moment. Something I’ve trained myself to do over the years. Sad that it doesn’t come naturally. Of course, I don’t have 4 kids to follow either! Another thing to make it fun for me – join in. I go on the swings and slides with my kids. I let them serve me sand sandwiches and bark burgers on pretend plates.

For the days when I don’t have it in me. I go to the little park with the fence around it. Nothing wrong with that. Or take a leisurely nature hike – the kids get tons of exercise and play experience from something as simple as that.

Thanks for a new twist on an old subject.

Michele’s last blog post..Aurora Park in Mission Viejo

By: Claudine M Jalajas

Claudine M Jalajas — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:21:39 +0000

Swings.. ugh. My daughter (at 3) broke her arm from a hefty shove from her brother who thought she said “higher” when she actually said she was getting off instead. (Yeah, I didn’t hear the commonality either). I know all the playgrounds w/o swings and try and stick with those.

My kids would never be happy with just an hour. So I bring a book with me or something to do. My youngest is 3, so other than pushing on swings I really don’t have to do too much.

But on another rant. Would it KILL the playground people to put up some overhead shade? Trees? Giant suspended sails to block some sun? Seriously–with all the sun damage/skin cancer you’d think this would be part of the plan.

Claudine M Jalajas’s last blog post..Chainmaille and Wire Wrapped Rose Pearl Dangle Earrings

By: Beth/Mom2TwoVikings

Beth/Mom2TwoVikings — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:14:37 +0000

I always thought at some point taking the Vikings to the park could be a few minutes peace for me to sit and gather my thoughts but it never seems to work out that way – sand in eyes, swings to push, boo boos to kiss, mediation betw siblings and betw them & the public (LOL). And, we’re so lucky to have so many good choices of parks around here but it’s almost more work than just staying home!

And, I’ve found each park has a “personality” so to speak depending on what we’re looking for that day. I’ll have to think about that some more – that could be a blog post! LOL

By: happiestmom

happiestmom — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:49:41 +0000

Ha! I’m so glad to know I’m far from being the only one who hates the playground!

By: Mara

Mara — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:12:07 +0000

To me the best thing about this post was learning that I wasn't alone in my feelings about the playground. I thought there was something wrong with me! And don't get me started on the swings... Mara’s last blog post..Take me out to the ballgame!!!

By: Mom2Miles

Mom2Miles — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 01:44:39 +0000

Playground meditation – ha! That’s great! I’m with you on this one. I hate the playground so much I wrote a post about it on my blog: http://diaryofanewmom.blogspot.com/2008/05/i-hate-playground.html

It’s getting a little better now that my son doesn’t eat dirt anymore, though.

Mom2Miles’s last blog post..Adventures of a Recovering Pessimist

By: Debra Moffitt

Debra Moffitt — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 22:38:07 +0000

I'm with you about playground duty. I don't know if this would work with your bunch, but I've started taking my 3-year-old to some usually empty tennis courts. He loves hitting the ball over the net (it happens occasionally) and he's even game to serve as ball boy when I play with my older sons. Nice, too, that a tennis court also serves as kind of a giant play pen. Debra Moffitt’s last blog post..What Girls Wish Moms Knew (Tip #7)