How My Kids Got to Play in the Rain.

How My Kids Got to Play in the Rain
by Susie E. Caron © 7/12/15

I am a good Mommy! Really. But, I didn't know that kids could play in rain puddles until the day my husband made it happen.That’s also the day I became a more confident parent. My story may help you too.

One summer day, it was raining pretty hard, and our 3 & 5 year old children played contentedly indoors. As the rain began to subside, my husband invited the kids to come outdoors with him. I was so surprised, I squeaked, "They can't do that!" He looked stunned and asked me, "Why not?" I felt out of my element, flabbergasted, astonished, and a little worried. "Because it is raining!" I whined, and added "They'll get muddy!"

He actually laughed, then gave me a comforting hug, and said, "Susie, our kids can get muddy and it will wash off."

Quicker than I could take my next breath, the kids rushed outdoors with him. Our 3 year old hid her tongue, which I assume was sticking out at me as she left. I peeked out our window and watched them stomping and jumping with giddy abandon, through the numerous rain puddles that had formed in our yard. When I assured myself that they would not be destroyed in the rain, I thought about my own assumption and my husband’s words. ”Why did I automatically believe they couldn’t play in the rain?” “How did he know that they could?” (without life threatening damage.)

Then I recalled that my little brother and I were never allowed to play outside in any kind of ‘bad’ weather.  So I thought that was how it was supposed to be - kind of like a rule: “Kids play inside the house during (what the parent considers) bad weather.” As I thought about this even further, I realized I probably assumed many things about kids and my life in general. Those are the times I find myself asking things like, "Is this okay?" "Should I let them do this or that?" Plus this one: "What will people think?"

That day my husband’s words and actions helped me to change the way I parented. I began practicing thoughtful decision making. Instead of using ‘should’ or ‘shouldn’t’, or some unnamed rule to follow blindly, I questioned myself like this, “Is this okay with me?” “Is it safe?” “What is the lesson I want the kids to experience?” “Does this teach them ‘how the world works’?” As I practiced this, I became more a more confident parent because I understood at last, that my decisions as a parent are up to me, and my husband (thankfully) and not some ‘unknown rule.’

Kids are unique and parenting isn’t easy. 

Your decisions are rarely based upon opposites: right or wrong, good or bad, should or shouldn’t, necessary or unnecessary. So it’s important to make good decisions based upon conscious thinking about each child and every situation. A lot of things you want children to do are future focused, and that's important. However, every now and then it’s really okay to let your kids play in the rain and puddles just because it's fun.

A Question for you:

What have you discovered that you thought you should or shouldn't do and changed your mind? Share it and tell me in the comments below.

Thank you for reading my parenting articles. I love writing them for you because,

Twee' means you and me and
Together we can build great kids.
Susie E. Caron

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