One of my mama-friends and I discussed how we aren't good at playing--but we can nurture. I felt so relieved when I heard her say she wasn't a mama who plays well! I felt the same reading your reflections. We decided the everyday tasks just suck up in space where we used to explore. For me, writing is a way to reclaim that wild. But I can't seem to do it with my children. But--I can hold them. I love to hold them. I'm sure you do too. We can't and don't have to be everything to them. But accepting this truth is hard work.
And, too, my mama didn't play. Now that I have my own two, I'm retroactively extending her grace when I felt so disappointed in her lack of willingness to imagine.
Thanks for this! Trying to make the time with our kids be more than what it is...that’s a good starting point for inquiry! A d while I do live holding them, I’m a highly sensitive person and touch can sometimes overwhelm me too. It’s been all about setting boundaries for me 😊
I am one of those folks, too! Some days—I just CAN’T. I’m more sensitive to sound than touch, but if I’m overstimulated, watch out! My husband is good about recognizing this and redirecting the kids. It’s all about balance! And, yes, boundaries!
Hey Christina, Ashley already knows my passionate feelings about play! We shouldn’t feel guilty about not playing in an imaginary way with our kids, but there are so many other ways we can connect with them instead.
And Ashley, thanks for your honestly with your motherhood journey. I also really struggle for asking for time for myself.
Really enjoyed this Ashley & Emma - I totally relate to the not enjoying playing too, I've never enjoyed it and I've always felt guilty about it. But somehow I just can't muster up the enthusiasm! I think maybe because I read a lot as a child and was quite solitary that imaginative play doesn't come naturally. I think it's so important to read these honest accounts of motherhood to normalise the struggles that we all have as mums ❤️
Hmmm I’ve never made that connection, I read a lot as a child too. I definitely had a rich internal world because of it and I found more comfort in that than playing at times.
Thanks so much for sharing! I’ve really enjoyed reading everyone’s answers 😊
Me too! I feel less alone whenever a read an answer.
One of my mama-friends and I discussed how we aren't good at playing--but we can nurture. I felt so relieved when I heard her say she wasn't a mama who plays well! I felt the same reading your reflections. We decided the everyday tasks just suck up in space where we used to explore. For me, writing is a way to reclaim that wild. But I can't seem to do it with my children. But--I can hold them. I love to hold them. I'm sure you do too. We can't and don't have to be everything to them. But accepting this truth is hard work.
And, too, my mama didn't play. Now that I have my own two, I'm retroactively extending her grace when I felt so disappointed in her lack of willingness to imagine.
Thanks for this! Trying to make the time with our kids be more than what it is...that’s a good starting point for inquiry! A d while I do live holding them, I’m a highly sensitive person and touch can sometimes overwhelm me too. It’s been all about setting boundaries for me 😊
I am one of those folks, too! Some days—I just CAN’T. I’m more sensitive to sound than touch, but if I’m overstimulated, watch out! My husband is good about recognizing this and redirecting the kids. It’s all about balance! And, yes, boundaries!
Hey Christina, Ashley already knows my passionate feelings about play! We shouldn’t feel guilty about not playing in an imaginary way with our kids, but there are so many other ways we can connect with them instead.
And Ashley, thanks for your honestly with your motherhood journey. I also really struggle for asking for time for myself.
Loving this series Emma 💛
Thank you for sharing!!
Really enjoyed this Ashley & Emma - I totally relate to the not enjoying playing too, I've never enjoyed it and I've always felt guilty about it. But somehow I just can't muster up the enthusiasm! I think maybe because I read a lot as a child and was quite solitary that imaginative play doesn't come naturally. I think it's so important to read these honest accounts of motherhood to normalise the struggles that we all have as mums ❤️
Hmmm I’ve never made that connection, I read a lot as a child too. I definitely had a rich internal world because of it and I found more comfort in that than playing at times.
Just love this series so much. I've resonated with something from each person! Thanks Ashley for your thoughts!
I agree. It’s like a little of us exists in everyone 🙂