Have you ever witnessed the flutter of a flock of geese all taking off at the same time? The sight and sound of the lift-off is impressive. Yesterday while hiking, I saw a goose gaggle.
I know, you are picturing what they leave behind. Try and forget that for now…
My mind played back an almost forgotten memory of our first dog, Snoopy. She was our pre-kid pup. Tom and I always said it was a good thing she was small, because she’d be one-scary big dog. The terms that best described her were Fearless and Fast.
The Snoop’s biggest joy was running straight into the middle of a gang of geese. Low, belly to the ground, aerodynamic. She would take off like a bullet for the feathered creatures just for the sheer joy of creating airborne chaos. The power. The fun. The thrill. Just ‘Cuz.
After her great success at being a big, threatening predator, she would prance back to me as if she conquered the world. So bold. So proud. I will swear that I saw my dog smile.
She was loving life.
Aren’t the Just ‘Cuz moments are some of the best slices of life? The spontaneous, fun, impromptu times that bring a laugh and smile to everyone involved. These are just for the joy of it times. The times that create the best memories.
Parents, we can get so busy, so structured, so scheduled, we forget to have fun. So let’s lighten up. Pick a day this week to turn inside out and upside down with your kids.
Breakfast for dinner….just ‘cuz.
Splashing in a puddle…just ‘cuz.
Everyone jiving to the music in the car…just ‘cuz.
Kids taking a bath in the afternoon…just ‘cuz.
Making mud-pies…just ‘cuz.
Writing on the driveway with chalk…just ‘cuz.
Camping out in the family room…just ‘cuz.
Making a house with the couch cushions…just ‘cuz.
Gelling hair into a Mohawk…just ‘cuz.
Letting your children “fix” your hair…just ‘cuz.
Staying in your jammies….just ‘cuz.
Wearing buckets on your head…just ‘cuz.
Playing Sea World in the sink….just ‘cuz.
Eating dessert first…just ‘cuz.
Wearing socks that don’t match…just ‘cuz.
Wearing a super hero costume and it’s not Halloween…just ‘cuz.
Taking a day off of school to be together (shhhh) ….just ‘cuz.
When your child comes to you with a just ‘cuz idea. Ask yourself, “Why not?” If there is no harm then ask, “Why?” If the answer is “Just because…” I say…go with it!
We’re bringin’ happy back!
Enjoy the link below…. Just Cuz! Happy Spring!
Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy.
Psalm 126: 2
What are some Just ‘Cuz times you have shared with your children?
By,
- 9 Ways to Raise a Rebellious Kid - December 14, 2016
- 9 Ways to Create a Rebellious Heart in Your Child - November 15, 2016
- The Creepy Clown Craze and Your Child - October 20, 2016
