Life is a Playground

Sep 2023

Do you remember the book, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, by Robert Fulghum? Published in 2004, it became a phenomenon soaring to the top of the New York Times bestseller list selling millions of copies worldwide.The message was loud and clear. At a very young age, we learn basic, everyday wisdom that can last a lifetime.

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In my early parenting years, I was naive to think I would be able to sit and read a People Magazine while my children played on the playground. Much to my surprise, I was “workin’ it” within the first five minutes darting to answer the shouts of “mom” from multiple directions, assessing for dangerous situations, mitigating disagreements, negotiating sharing strategies, and more often than I would have liked, performing basic first aid. Basically, I wore many hats.

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As I became more proficient (thank you virtue of prudence) with the workings on the playground, I had an EPIPHANY.

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I thought I gave my children basic tips to help them find happiness and success on the playground. What I realized, I was actually teaching them everyday strategies that build their character and that would last a lifetime.

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Here’s a snapshot..

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Compassion

  • When a friends erupts in tears, whether that’s due to an injury or maybe a disappointment, be compassionate and see if you can help
  • When you see a child playing alone or perhaps standing nearby who seems shy, ask them if they want to play with you

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Honesty

  • Keeping your word with “time limits” or “the number of times down the slide”
  • When playing a game like hide and seek, don’t cheat and peek to see where the other kids are running to hide

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Faith/Belief/Perseverance

  • Replace “I can’t” with “Yes, I can” - encouraging children to keep on trying
  • Learning how to face fears like climbing to new heights, or perhaps pushing through shyness to make a new friend
  • Set goals like being able to swing from one side of the monkey bars to the other side without falling

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Wisdom and Knowledge

  • Hands on learning of basics physics (gravity, motion) throughout the playground
  • Learning through trial and error

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Prudence

  • Preparing to go to the park - pack food/drinks, wipes, sunscreen
  • Share safety pointers at the park like avoid walking in front of the swing while someone is swinging, or walking a few feet away from the end of the side for those kids who get some “launch” as they come down the slide

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Gratitude

  • Endless opportunities to say “thank you” and feel grateful like when a new friend shares the favorite toys or snacks they brought from home
  • Being grateful when someone warns you of a dangerous situations

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Can you see the heart of these “strategies” are actually virtues we use in our everyday lives? And when we grow in them we find greater happiness and success!!

I encourage you to look at your life through this same lens. Find opportunities to grow little by little and live epic.everyday

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