I suffer from acute arthritis in over half of the joints in my body, at the almost-young age of 29. Old injuries creep up like that, don't they? As it stands, I am quite incapable of running and wrestling and doing other physically strenuous activities with my son. Rather than chide
myself for it, I created a list of things I Can do with him, and each day we choose one of them for Play Time. (Be sure to take an anti-inflammatory, such as Ibuprofen, about half an hour beforehand, to ease things up a bit.)
1. Drawing: Even though it is sometimes hard to hold a pencil or marker or crayon, drawing is a great start. The added bonus is, art can be excellent therapy, if you are having a down-in-the-dumps sort of day.
2. Music: Listening to music and singing along, or maybe dancing a little, is a great way to bond with your child and to have some fun.
3. Read: There is nothing more relaxing and pain-free than sitting, snuggled up on the sofa, to read with your child. Take turns picking the stories, letting them pick first.
4. Short Walks: Walking can lengthen tendons and ligaments and gets much-needed oxygen into your muscles. Don't overdo it, but take a walk. Go hand-in-hand, looking for acorns or fallen leaves, or simply talking about the day - and the fresh air will expend some of the neverending energy most children possess!
5. Blow Bubbles: Grab a bottle of bubble soap, whether store-bought or homemade, and sit outside and blow bubbles. I've never met a child who Didn't like to chase bubbles and pop them!
6. Gardening and Yardwork: It doesn't have to be anything laborious. You could have fun by planting seeds, making a game out of pulling weeds, or simply watering the plants in the yard. Not only does it beautify things, it teaches children about life, the way things grow, and the changes of Seasons.
7. Card and Board Games: Grab a game and sit at a table, or in the center of the floor, and have some good, healthy competitive fun.
8. Blanket Forts: Grab a pile of blankets and bedsheets and make a fort in the livingroom. If you feel up to it, have a game of hide and seek, while you're at it!
9. Huckle Buckle Beanstalk: Grab a small object, such as a sewing thimble, and hide it in a room. As your child slowly walks around the room, say "cold" if they are far from the object, "warmer" if they are getting closer to it, and "hot!" if they are right on top of it. When they do find the object, have them yell out, "Huckle Buckle Beanstalk!!" It's sure to get giggles. Make sure the object is within their reach, and not completely hidden. Next game, let them try hiding the object!
10. Just Plain Snuggling: Our children grow up so fast. One minute they want to be wrapped around your leg all the time. The next minute, they are off and running without a second thought of you. Grab those snuggles while you can. It will bring you closer.
(September 2006) (
