I would like to know how many parents play with their children. Now before all you parents send me nasty e-mails, just hear me out.

It has been a known fact that children learn from their parents. They watch us, they listen to what we say to them and others, and they do as we do. For good or bad, they learn to be an adult through their parents lives.

Going back to my question, how many of you parents play with your children? I'm not saying you should play with them every time they play. There are those special moments when they will ask, WILL YOU PLAY WITH ME? Children learn more from us and about us during the times the parent plays with them.

If you don't believe me, just think of some people you have known for years. You would think, by now, you would know almost everything about their lives. If there is some sort of group gathering and everyone is playing games of various types together you end up finding out something about someone you had never known. It may even change how you think about that person, because you have found out something special about them, or you learned something from them you can use in your life.

The same is even more true with children. They learn from the interactions with others, especially adults.

Some things children learn from parents playing games with them:
1. the importance of family togetherness
2. how to properly be competetive with others
3. good sportsmanship when the lose
4. good sportsmanship when they win
5. they don't have to win to enjoy playing the game

I'm sure they are even more things you can teach your children by simply sitting down with them and enjoying playing games with them.

The poem below is borrowed from a picture I saw in a doctor's office. It comes from the Louisiana Children's Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana. I hope you take to heart it's message and put these words into practice.

Please let us know your thoughts. I really would like for everyone to let us know what you and your child do when you play together.
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Listed below are some websites with fun indoor and outdoor activities for you and you children.

Games Kids Play
Descriptions and rules for dozens of traditional children's games, including indoor and outdoor activities...
http://www.gameskidsplay.net/

Fun and Games
Covering ideas from small group to party games, quiet indoor games to huge ... challenges and other activities and events for children and youth to do.
http://www.funandgames.org/

Kids Games - Incredible Indoor Games
160 traditional and original games and activities that take little or no preparation.
http://www.camprena.com/games-books/ indoor-games.html

Rainy Day Activities for Children Ages 6-10 and other activities ...
A rainy day can be fun, with these indoor activities for your school-aged child! These games, puzzles, and activities are perfect rainy-day distractions. ...
http://www.fun.familyeducation.com/hobbies -and-interests/games-and-toys/33402.html

Rainy Day Fun and Boredom Busters for Kids
Rainy day ideas,easy indoor games, boredom busters and activities for kids and families. ... Parents may find, with consistency, children will pick up ...
http://www.amazingmoms.com/htm/boredom_ busters.htm

Indoor Activities for Kids
Indoor Activities for Kids, Inexpensive ideas to keep your kids entertained.
http://www.stretcher.com/stories/05/ 05jan17g.cfm

Outdoor Fun & Games for Families
Outdoor games and activities for kids' parties, family picnics, and group events. ... Sign Up Now for the Parenting of K-6 Children newsletter! ...
http://www.childparenting.about.com/cs/ kidspartygames/a/outdoorgames.htm

Fun Games and Activities
Fun Outdoor Games and Outdoor Activities. ... Games and Activities for kids · Home. Ready... Set... Go! The best game ideas, resources and activities for ...
http://www.funattic.com/game_list.htm

Outdoor Games - games for children
Here you'll find free game ideas that children can play outdoors.
http://www.creativekidsathome.com/games/ outdoor_games/

Open Directory - Kids and Teens: Games: Outdoor and Yard Games
Active Indoor and Outdoor Games [ Kids ] - Includes instructions for many varieties of hide and seek, evening, water, basketball and tag games. ...
http://www.dmoz.org/Kids_and_Teens/Games/ Outdoor_and_Yard_Games/

Child Outdoor Games - Are Your Kids Breaking a Sweat?
Outdoor games can not only be great fun but can also teach children about their world. Read about some of games that have been enjoyed for generations and ...
http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/ 8-16-2005-74956.asp

Children's Games and Toys
For fun and unusual games for children, look in the Kids Window. Inside you'll find a huge selection of fine quality outdoor games and indoor games for the ...
http://www.thekidswindow.co.uk/games/

Outdoor activities for kids
You can share your favorite outdoor recreations with your children, no matter what their ... This collection of outdoor activities, games, stories, songs, ...
http://www.lifeskills4kids.com/archives /newsletter05-2001.html