Hopscotch

We have a hopscotch rug in our hallway, in font of the bedrooms.  

Doesn't everyone?

This is actually a new thing for us.  Jersey #4 received it as a birthday present from a friend.

I used to be obsessed with keeping everything packaged up and in good shape.  I took such good care of my things when I was a child, that I still have things from when I was a child.  I still have board games from my childhood, with all of the pieces.  Unfortunately, I also still have things that I probably would have enjoyed using as a child, but was too obsessed with protecting that I never wore them out.    

My children are not so good at taking care of their things.  We have already thrown out board games that have lost too many pieces.  I get frustrated about this.  I think I need to teach them better about caring for their things, and requiring that they do so.  

I also realize that our household is not typical.  Five children close in age will wear things out faster, than a household with only 1 or 2 children playing with the items.  They have proven this with our swingset and jungle gym.  I was disappointed, thinking these things should have lasted longer.  My Mom and The Referee have had to point out to me that these items are in near-constant use and do not get much of a rest, and have actually served us well.

As I learn to accept that we are just not typical, I am learning to let go of some of these expectations I previously held.  It is OK if the colored pencils and crayons are all worn down before the next school supply sale, because it means many pages have been colored that year. 

There is a time to teach proper care and respect for our belongings.  There is also a time to take the toys out of the box and use them up, enjoy them, until all that remains are the fun memories and pictures.

This hopscotch rug won't last forever in our high traffic hallway, but it has been hilarious to watch Jersey #5 try to hop on one foot.  It has been sweet to see Jersey #1 remember to be a child and play, instead of trying to become a teenager too soon.  It is fun to watch Jersey #2 and Jersey #3 compete to see who can cross the rug the fastest.  It has been remarkable to see a generous Jersey #4 share her birthday gift with her siblings, and not even insist she go first.