I had grand plans for what the Middle Boy and I would play today. Grand plans for getting out the puppet theatre and puppets and putting on a show… But sometimes grand plans get scuttled by a morning full of tantrums and tears and just needing five minutes peace to regroup… and before you know it grand plans turn into this…
It was a get every single puzzle and game out of the cupboard and spread them across the floor kind of day.
I have to confess that this kills me. The fact that he gets out and unpacks 5 different puzzles and three games drives me nuts, especially because I am the sucker that ends up sorting it all out and packing it all away. Plus, I have to admit, I am not a big fan of puzzles and board games.
The girls became puzzle crazy at about age three and Muski is no different. He’s been putting together our 20+ piece floor puzzles on his own since he was about 2 and a half and he’s now tackling some of the bigger puzzles with a fair bit of success. And there are loads of benefits of puzzles. They are good for developing and practising a heap of skills, such as problem solving, eye hand co-ordination, spatial awareness, memory etc.
Despite all of that I still can’t get excited about puzzles.
It’s a personal thing. I find them boring. Once you’ve done a puzzle then you’ve done it, there’s no new way to do it, it’s done. And board games…. kiddy board games? Snore! I know, I know, bad mother…. even more bad preschool teacher (with worser grammar).
Puzzles and games just don’t float my boat.
They float my kid’s boats though, and that’s ok.
It’s ok became Muski has spent a good hour putting each puzzle together and setting up Mr Potato heads and matching shopping items to shopping lists. Sure it’s not the puppet show I had planned, but then this isn’t about me. He’s having a great time, and learning as well…. so all that I need to do is attempt to pack up the mess with a smile on my face, if I can!
I’m joining in with childhood101’s We Play link up today – head on over for more great play ideas!
*sigh*
Nothing like a good bored game, I always say …
My kids love puzzles too. My son was devastated that we had lost certain pieces to his favourite one, so I turned it into a mystery to solve
I really enjoyed reading this and had a good laugh at your first pic. It just goes to show how even when we have the best intentions our kids have other ideas! Good on you for “keeping it real!”
whatever works hon.whatever works…………
Princess is coming over to play. She wants to play the shopping list game (they have it at Kinder) and she wants to do whatever the spinning wheel thing. So, any time Muski needs a play mate, she’s ready :)
Puzzles are a big thing here too. I can’t say I am really into them, either, but I love the quiet they provide me with!
Anything that will keep a three year old busy for about an hour gets my vote! I definately do not have to like it myself but I do have to confess like my Mother and my daughter I too love puzzels and games. Any games from Candyland to Uno. I don’t like to pick up though. Thanks for your post today. :)
LOL! I have been there with the toys all over the floor. :)
I am Sooooooooooooo relieved to hear that I’m not alone in my tedium over puzzles and board games.
Board games never hold Heidis interest for long so it is always a battle between Annie wanting to play by the rules and Heidi wanting to just do imaginative play with the pieces. Such frustration.
Puzzles = me having to clean floorspace = PITA
That reminds me to pull out some of our puzzles. Thanks!
Looks like it was a great time! Found your blog through the We Play Link Ups at Childhood 101. I linked up as well. hope that you will stop by to see my blog.
One other thing…my little one thinks the word pickle is about the best word ever! Totally makes him giggle! He loved the name of your blog…huge smile, then loads of laughter, so thanks for making him a happy little guy today:)
Colleen
I’m with you on board games, but as Riley is only 2 I haven’t had to endure them yet. But I love puzzles. I can see how plenty of people would find them boring. But I love watching her little mind tick over as she tries to work it out. That is, when she’s not having a tantrum because the puzzle has defied her in some way.
Hehehe, love your honesty Mama. Immy seems to lose interest in a puzzle as soon as she masters it, preferring to play a pretend game where she mixes up all the pieces and tries to convince me that she doesn’t know how to do it!