Age is Just a Number

We were at the baseball park the other day watching our 7 -year-old grandson’s team play the second game of a doubleheader when I noticed an older man playing tag with a young child. The little boy was running in circles around a trash can and a group of parents. The older man, who I am sure was his grandfather, was in pursuit. Grandpa was strategically making the chase last at least a couple of laps before he would catch up to the child. Once the child was captured, there were 10 seconds of tickling and wrestling. After being released, the child stood perfectly still, staring at Grandpa and waiting for the perfect opportunity to escape. Then when the moment was right, he was off again. All the while, he was looking back to make sure Grandpa was still in the game. 

At that moment, this child and his grandfather were not just having fun. They were building a connection that would last a lifetime. Being playful or playing is a great way to connect with other people, especially your teenager. Whether it is a board game, a video game or some one-on-one basketball in the driveway, playing provides an opportunity to be in the moment with your son or daughter experiencing joy.    

When we are grounded in a love-based mindset, we are more joyful and we naturally see more opportunities to be playful. 

Here is an idea for you. Tomorrow morning, start your day by setting an intention to be more playful. Find a quiet place, close your eyes and state your intention out loud. For example, you could say:

Today I am going to be more playful because play is a great way to build my connection with (name of your teenager/teenagers). I intend to be aware and open to any and all opportunities to smile, laugh and be playful. Today we will have fun. 

How about it? A growth mindset starts with the intention to try something new…doesn’t it?

Love is always the answer.

“We don’t stop playing because we get old. We get old because we stop playing.”

—George Bernard Shaw