The Only Mom Playing in the Sandbox

As I sat next to my daughter digging and building castles the other day, I looked up at one point and realized I was the only parent playing in the sandbox. And, it got me thinking about all the different parenting styles. I know there isn't any one "right way" of doing things. But, for me -- I believe in the hands-on parenting approach. If Remi is digging in the dirt and picking up rocks, so am I. If she's rolling around in the leaves or splashing in puddles, you can find me rolling and splashing with her.

Remi and I visited a local farm where we went on an egg hunt hayride, sat with the Easter Bunny and explored the "Discovery Barnyard" and "Animal Farm." The "Discovery Barnyard" has lots of different play areas including a huge sandbox. Remi had a blast. She left that place with muddy knees, sand in her socks and shoes and a dirty rear-end. And, you better believe -- I left in a similar fashion. The way I see it is -- participating in these activities is a chance for us parents to feel like a kid again and, most importantly, bond with our children.

(When I say "I was the only parent playing in the sandbox," I actually mean sitting in the sand and playing. There were plenty of other parents standing in the sandbox talking to other parents and watching their children - some children were older than Remi and others were here age. She'll be 20 months on April 13, 2017. Also, as we were leaving I did notice one other mom sitting in the sand :-)