Good Old Fashioned Fun

There's something about a tire swing dangling from a tree branch that's the epitome of pure wholesome fun.

It's sheer delight to watch kids as they hang on for dear life or giggle with glee as they whiz through the air faster and higher than their little bodies normally do under the influence of gravity.

An Accidental Mini Manifesto for Children

This is Cadence "teaching" our friend Matt Joynt how to play Pat-a-cake in the midst of Mess Hall's 5th anniversary party on Sunday night.  I love that kids can ALWAYS take the time to play in the midst of anything and everything.  Matt is one of those people who have been extremely generous with his time and understanding of Cadence and her energetic ways, so this photo means a lot to me.

One of the reasons I try to include Cadence in as many "grown-up" events as possible is that I think it's important for people who normally don't come in contact with children to do so at least once in a while.  I think we as a society exclude children from much of our lives because we don't have much tolerance for behavior that inconveniences us in any way.  And yet we put up with grown-ups who may get a little too drunk or who cheat on their partners or who exploit/debase women or who step on as many heads as possible in climbing that corporate ladder because they "have a right" to be there, wherever "there" may be, while we groan and grumble when we're seated next to the table with small children (I admit it--I've done this myself).

I don't believe that children should be seen and not heard.  We are a generation of children who were raised based on that assumption, and look where it's taken us.  The hurt in our collective heart is so deep that it brings tears to my eyes to write this, and seriously, I started out just posting a sweet photo of my friend with my daughter.  I have no idea how I ended up here...

I believe that children should be seen AND heard.  I believe that children should be played with.  I believe children should be respected for doing the best they can with what they have. 

So bring out your children, let them be seen in public, and do not apologize, for they have a right to be among us.  Do not silence your children, give them a voice, and you may be surprised at the insights they share.  Let your children play and have fun, and play with them.  Play, play play.  We have no idea how much we are missing out by choosing work over play.  Give your children the dignity they deserve as a part of humanity, and respect their feelings even if they are expressed in a way that embarrasses or inconveniences you.  Do all this, encourage other parents and grownups to do this, and let's see how the world will change.

And I write all this for myself, because I so need to hear and heed these words...