Kid Mock and I had a rough day today. Primarily because it's Friday, and by Friday the boys and I are ready to welcome the weekend with open arms. Furthermore, it's been raining the last three days, and with rain comes minimal outdoor play, with minimal outdoor play comes a bunch of chickens being cooped up (rhetorical, of course--I would never refer to me or my children as chickens).

As I was at the lowest level in my patience tank, I was reminded of something some friends and I discussed when our firstborns were just babies. Physical interaction. Sure we hug and kiss, we play and teach, but sometimes babies and children need a good wrestle-especially with lack of outdoor play and exercise.

At the ripe age of three, when their verbal skills take on a whole new level and it often times feels like a reasoning person is in the room rather than a child, we forget how necessary the tickling is, how essential the chase and tackle can be to their development. It's their outlet.

The next time your patience is at an all time low and you find your child is testing you, remember that they may need to release the tension in ways other than hugs, kisses, reasoning or discipline... a good rough and tumble may do the trick!

On an entirely different note, this photo also showcases yesterday's nap time craft... new place mats! I can't tell you how long those Elmo children's place mats have been harassing the core of my being. To walk by such a beautiful table and see Elmo so brightly displayed through the window's light was less than appealing, yet the functionality of a wipe-it-clean surface out weighed the unsightliness. Now, when I walk through the dining room I no longer wince, but smile.

Ahem... Back to the point of this post... I love new ideas--What are some fun things you do with your child/children to distract yourself from a low patience tank?