Mommy dinosaur

Watching kids learn and play using their imaginations is hands-down one of the best parts of having kids.

As Allison and Carson grow, they are increasing their interests and knowledge of the world around them. Allison is a classic 5-year-old girl and loves all things Barbie- and unicorn-related. Carson is a normal 4-year-old boy and loves all things farming- and dinosaur-related. Typically, they are pretty good about sharing and playing together. Carson will play mommy and kid with Allison’s dolls if Allison will play farming or dinosaur afterward.

Last fall and over the winter, they each had their birthdays. I have noticed as they get older, their own interests get stronger, and they getting less inclined to play the other’s choice of game. I have had to step in more often and help them find a game or activity they both enjoy or set the timer and play one game for 10 minutes then play the other game for 10 minutes. I have learned that 10 minutes is a super long time when you are 4 or 5 years old.

A couple weeks ago, I was proud to see they invented a new game that fit both their interests. I call it “Mommy Dinosaur.” It is basically the same game they would play with Allison’s dolls. There would be a mom and kids, and they would have various adventures such as throwing a birthday party, going shopping, going for drives in the Barbie car, or playing hide-and-seek, but this time, it was with Carson’s dinosaurs. This way, Carson got to play with his dinosaurs, and Allison got to play mommy and kid. Allison even put a dress on a couple of the dinosaurs. It literally made me laugh out loud when I first found the dinosaur with a dress on.

I was overjoyed that they found a compromise without me having to intervene. Now, Allison and Carson are very good about playing by themselves until Madison comes in and tries to take a particular toy they are using or simply lays on top of the field or house of Megna-Tiles or pillows that they had built. Allison has even asked Carson to play farming a couple of times, and Carson has asked to play Barbies.

In every relationship, there is compromise — with significant others, siblings and friends. We have to be willing to look from someone else’s perspective to reach the best result. Remember those group projects in school, when one person did all the work? Some team members were glad they did not have to do anything, while others were annoyed that not everyone played an equal part. Since it is impossible to please everyone, talking to everyone is just as important to learn what and how they would like to see the project accomplished.

With our family and close friends, while we are friends because we have similar interests and often grow up in similar environments as our other family members, not every aspect of our lives and interests are the same. Sometimes, they get to choose the game or activity that we must agree to do. While that may not be our favorite game or activity, we still go to hang out with our friends or family.

Watching some of the morning cartoons with the kids, I have also noticed there are themes that are relevant whether you are a child or an adult. There are some simple themes like taking turns, sharing, saying please and thank you, or not being afraid to try new things. Then, there are some big things like handling emotions and doing the right thing, even if it means you do not get what you want.

Some life lessons are harder to learn than others, but having siblings and growing up on a farm are great ways to learn a lot of those life lessons.