From the Inside Looking Out

We have an after school routine in our house. We get home, put our things away, do homework if we have it, get snacks for school the next day, and make lunches. After that is done, then I make dinner while the kids play. This school year the kids (5th, 3rd, and 1st) have started making their own lunches, which is great because I HATE making lunches.

But it was mild today in Michigan. A, you don't really need a coat kind of mild. After we came into the house and the kids put their things away, they asked, "Can we go outside and play?"

"Sure. I will call you when dinner is ready."

No, they didn't do homework.
No, they didn't get their snacks for the next day.
No, they didn't make their own lunches.

They were outside. Playing. Something I did on a daily basis when I was young and which seems to be disappearing from today's youth.

I, on the other hand, watched them from the kitchen window.

I watched them playing tag together.
I watched the giggles and heard the squeals as one of them found the other.
I watched them enjoy the fresh air.
I watched them play. Like kids are supposed to.

And for today, I got their snacks and made their lunches.
Their homework, however, is on them.
But it can wait.
Until they are done playing.