Do you ever get down on the same level as your BIG kids? Like, I mean, down….on the floor…level?
I recently re-discovered the value of floor time with my big kids!
The other day I decided that, rather than sit up on the couch while my little humans sat at my feet, I would get right down on the floor with them.
We were doing geography review and learning about Spain (this accidentally turned into our full years’ study of Europe. Oh well, we will get to the other continents eventually).
Since I don’t have “toddlers” anymore, and my littlest girl likes to play on the same level as the big kids up on the BIG table, I just don’t get down there much anymore.
I remember the days of spending hours of play on the floor with toys, puzzles, games, reading, you name it. I felt like I’d never get up and sit on adult seats again.
I can’t say that I loved it while in the thick of it, but I know ALL of my kids did and there was bonding happening right there.
So, I completely realized I missed floor time with the kids!! Wow!
It was so amazing enjoying floor time with my BIG Kids. We were reading and looking at the pile of Atlas’. We colored pictures of a bull and Matador, then wrote down facts about Lucas from Barcelona. Finally, we wrapped it up with the old classic “Ferdinand” a Walt Disney movie on YouTube.
During the movie, we had time for a little snuggling, until it was time for me to go get lunch ready. From the kitchen, I could still hear them all laughing and rolling on the pillows.
Change of Vantage Point
As a homeschool mom, I am the “teacher” of academics as well as all the usual life skills and character topics. I am often “over” my kids and teaching, instructing, or reading to them.
Sitting back on their level though helped me to see how much more natural it felt and made me see that this is more of why I have my kids home to learn – to experience it together!
Interested in homeschooling? Check out Why We Homeschool
I will still sit up on my comfy chair or sofa for a lot of the learning, but lately, I have been more intentional about sitting on the floor and making opportunities for snuggling and soaking in good books altogether.
How to Engage
There are many ways to engage in floor time with your big kids.
Doing homework on the floor with your elementary-aged son. Read a classic with your adolescent daughter on a few pillows in the family room.
Card games and board games are great for floor time with your kids.
Here are a few game options.
Music is another great way to connect with your kids. I like to grab one of my son’s earbuds and listen along to his favorite mixes. This always opens opportunities for deep conversations too.
Spiritual Connections
You can also find creative ways to connect spiritually using floor time with your BIG Kids.
This is a great place to read the bible together or pray. Doing devotions is also the perfect opportunity to snuggle on the floor.
You can begin journaling with creative art bible journals with your daughter.
More Ideas: Best Journaling Tools for Women
You can also enjoy this with your son by getting a fun journal and some pillows to plop down on.
On the floor, it is also a sweet opportunity to memorize scripture. You can choose one verse and repeat it back to one another.
Related Post: Kid’s Verses on Love
When we are intentional about doing life with our kids, on their level, I believe we will see depth in our relationships with them.
Find New Ways Today
Take some time today to make floor time with your big kids. Enjoying them through learning, play, music, and conversation will fill your heart with great joy!
Sit on some pillows, on the rug, or out on the grass. Then, if you’re like me, you will all enjoy a good laugh when trying to get up off that floor!
Related post Connecting with Your Pre-Teens
Have you spent time on the floor with your big kids? If not, try it and let me know who enjoys it more – you or the kids!!
Best,
