Thursday

Today was a social visit day.   Josh was dropped off at one of his friends’ place and the rest of us visited a family of girls.  Though once again the learning that goes on in any family activity encourages me.

I was encouraged to hear Josh a bit disappointed that today was the day he visited his friend.  The reason behind this was that today was the day that this family normally put up their Christmas tree and he felt him being there reduced the family unit for this family tradition.  I was glad to hear him both see a family tradition for what it is and also to be sensitive to the family.  But this was just a small part of his day and he had a great time.

One of the things that I have always encouraged when kids come to play is that they spend their time together productively.  They don’t just hang.  I believe that idle hands lead to idle talk and though this isn’t a problem with 3-10 year olds it can be a problem by the time they get to their preteen/teen years.  I also believe in starting habits as I intend to continue in so don’t start stuff that will become inappropriate. 

I was therefore; very pleased to see the girls get a few craft/art activities together to take to their friends place.  After the visit Jess said, “That was the most productive play date we have ever had.”  I asked her what made it so.  She said, “Because we planned what we were going to do and were prepared.” 

Just so you see the balance though – it wasn’t all do, do, do – I walked in to the room where they were beading and asked how they were going.  The girls all said, “Lots of talking happening here!”  So it isn’t as if they aren’t talking and enjoying each other’s company it is just that their hands are productive giving them a safe environment to build their relationship.

Before and after dinner the kids had free table time while they listened to an audio story.  Jessica though worked on an Advent Calendar she is rushing to have finished for tomorrow.  The others were reading or doodling or playing on the mat.