Vitamin N – Nature and Nothing – Summer Part 2
I want to recommend that you give your child a daily dose of the “N” vitamin. John Rosemond says the word no is a daily dose of the N vitamin. While that is applicable to rearing youngsters, I want to offer another idea for the N vitamin – nature. Are you planning outside play for your children this summer? I hope so! Granted, summers are hot, but mornings after breakfast are good times as are evenings after dinner. Also, 15 minutes a day gives us our daily dose of vitamin D!
As you watch your child and provide supervision (remember, you do not need to entertain), here is your assignment. Don your straw hat, and sunglasses, and carry a tall glass of iced tea or coffee, with a lawn chair in hand as children follow behind you. Off to the back or sideyard you go!
How do you get out the door so fast? You have situated the playthings on the grass or deck prior to
breakfast, and you are ready! Training your children to solo play will take time and perseverance. In the beginning, stay engaged without entertaining. Make suggestions and ask questions. Sit close-by. After a week or two of this, something magical will happen! They will not need your soft engagement because you have provided the slow release of solo play with the fun things you have provided them. Naturally, this will vary depending on your children’s ages. Talk to them about this slow release so they know what you expect of them – independent play. Change it up a bit and rotate children through fun and simple stations you have set up; do keep it simple. How about a sandbox? Remember your voice tone (kind and assured) and speak with intention and authority. Children know the difference.
Once the routines and expectations of outside play have been established, you can sit a distance away and observe. While doing so, please resist the urge to scroll through your cell phone. In fact, I will be bold here – put that device away. You are modeling for your children. They will remember what they see you do when they become users of technology. Perhaps tell your friends that you will be checking your texts once or twice a day and loop your husband in for support. Please do not allow the phone to be a home invader, an attention grabber, a joy robber, or a mind divider.
What do you do as you watch? I want to give you permission to do nothing – it’s your N vitamin!! Or you can read God’s Word, or pray for your children, one by one as they play. This is your rest time. Just allow your heart to “Be still and know that He is God.” You might need to feign reading so your children think you are occupied and are less likely to ‘need’ your attention – at least until they are fully trained in the expectation you set for them – solo play. Allow the laughter of your children to be a salve for your soul.
Do you hear a squirrel scampering, a bird singing sweetly? Does your heart rejoice in the God of all
creation? Slow down and savor the moment. Give yourself permission to take vitamin N, do Nothing.
Speaking of the cell phone. I have a new app for you and your children. It is called “The Adventures of Greybobby.” It is a free and self-contained app. “Parents Start Here” segment explains this new app and then, further explanation is in the segment, “Help Us with Our Shoestrings.” Cartoons, music, and Bible lessons are fashioned for ages 4+ by Zack Carden, director of family ministries at Apostles, and will be a great resource for those times when a screen is appropriate. The segments are short and engaging.
I believe your children will enjoy them, and you will too as you listen along and then discuss afterwards!
If you would like to reach out to Jeannie, you may email her at jbrostrand@redeemerdayschool.org.