I read this article a few months back over on Hands Free Mama about this magic phrase.
“… College athletes were asked what their parents said that made them feel great, that amplified their joy during and after a ballgame. Their overwhelming response: ‘I love to watch you play.’”
She had an epiphany and started using the same phrase with her daughters. Well Kieran is not yet playing any team sports, but that phrase is still applicable. And I tell him so every chance I get. I am a big believer in him learning through play, and try to encourage free play as much as possible.
I want him to know that I take his play seriously and I've noticed that telliing him this, or paraphrasing it to say "I love to watch you read" or "I love to watch you draw" encourages him to spend even more time in independant play.
I am contantly amazed by the things he comes up with, and how engrossed he gets in his own little world.
He chatters non-stop, sometimes in French, sometimes in English. I don't understand half of his little scenarios but he is obviously having a grand old time.
I seriously love watching him play.
Have a happy and playful weekend folks!
