Our children love to play games, and they want to play games with us. But somewhere between childhood and adulthood many of us lose interest in playing games. If we do not share our child’s enthusiasm, we can find ourselves on a different wavelength. This disparity brings about feelings of anxiety and discomfort; and it does so at the very time we are together with an opportunity to connect.
If we play the game reluctantly, we may miss the beauty of our child’s enthusiasm. Our child senses that we are detached, and it diminishes their joy. As a result, they don’t lose themselves in the game. But, if we allow ourselves to lose ourselves in the game with them, if we pledge not to allow our mind’s ramblings to interfere, if we pour ourselves fully into this brief period of time, we become one with them as together we immerse ourselves in the game. This is no easy task. But as with all other aspects of mindful parenting, once the connection is hit upon, and the sensation of oneness flows, it becomes the easiest thing in the world.
