Drop Everything and Swing

Celebrate the joy of childhood with ‘Drop Everything and Swing’—a heartwarming reminder of the importance of play, connection, and seizing the moment with your kids.

Sometimes life gets busy… and hectic… and the days just seem to fly by quickly.

When I had my second child, the days seemed to be filled with lots of “have to’s” in order to keep life going – laundry, errands, doctor appointments, and the like.

As my second child got older, she was toted everywhere that our family’s schedule dictated – to her older brother’s sporting events, school functions, the grocery store, and anywhere else that we all needed to be that week. And I started to become very aware that being the youngest in the family meant having less control over your time.

Drop Everything and Swing

So, when my daughter was 4 years old, we came up with a secret way to give her some control over our day. We create “Drop Everything and Swing”! It was modeled after the DEAR time that kids have at many schools (DEAR = Drop Everything and Read).

The idea was that when things were crazy, my daughter was given the power to say ‘Drop Everything and Swing’ and we had to do just that! We’d stop dinner prep and run to the backyard swings. If we were at her brother’s sports practice, we’d head over to the playground for a few minutes. Or if we were running errands and she saw a playground, we’d pull over for a quick swing session.

Yes, we talked about the idea that we couldn’t stop to swing if we were expected to be somewhere on time (but we could stop on the ride home). We also discussed that it was something that we would only use when life got hectic – a special way to slow things down, get outside and just enjoy some time with each other.

Learning How to Stop and Enjoy Moments in Time Together

My goal was to teach her that sometimes it’s important to just push things aside and enjoy life, “stop and smell the roses”. And I wanted her to know that she had a voice in the family too. And guess what?During the whole process of teaching her, I was learning myself. I learned that even young children understand when it’s time to take a break and have some fun. I learned that giving her a voice and some control over our time meant that she was also more likely to cooperate when we did have a busy day. Most of all, I learned a lot more about her during our swinging sessions, and she learned more about me too.

How Will You Choose to Slow Down?

Obviously, this technique can be adapted for any child or family. Maybe you would choose to “Drop Everything and Dance” or “Drop Everything and Play”. However you choose to slow life down, I know that you and your child will love those few minutes when you get to push the rest of the world aside and just enjoy one another’s company!

This week’s Snapshots of Parenting with Purpose was inspired by Jacquie, a mom who understands that it’s important to give kids a voice and slow down to enjoy each other’s company. She loves to share ideas and activities that “keep kids creative, curious and connected to the world around them” at Edventures with Kids

You can also connect with her via Pinterest.

Kim’s “Spin On It”

Thank you so much Jacquie for sharing an important lesson that many of us with multiple children have come to realize that it’s a true balance making sure that all of our children get our fullest attention when they feel it’s needed. 

I love that you’ve given your daughter a special way to tell you “I need you Mommy” and you know that if at all possible you’re going to give her your undivided attention. I can imagine she’s very good at giving you her full attention as well from learning by example. I think my daughter will probably choose to drop everything and craft if I ask her what her special time with me could be. 

Here are some of our favorite activities that Jacquie has recently shared on her site Edventures with Kids of ways to start spending those special moments together… 5 Things I Want My Children To Love In November, 17 Fall Outdoor Activities and one of my favorite from our Virtual Book Club last month, Family Conversation Jar.

Did you know that Swings are more than just playground fun? They offer a wide range of developmental benefits for children. From building strength to supporting emotional well-being, here are some of the key advantages of swinging:

Benefits of Swinging for Children

• Physical Development: Builds core strength, balance, and gross motor skills.
• Sensory Integration: Stimulates the vestibular and proprioceptive systems, aiding body awareness.
• Brain Boost: Supports spatial awareness and coordination.
• Emotional Benefits: Calming, therapeutic, and confidence-building.
• Social Skills: Encourages turn-taking, sharing, and cooperative play.
• Imagination: Inspires creative and pretend play.
• Independence: Promotes self-confidence and safe risk-taking.

Whether at the park or in the backyard, swinging is a joyful activity that supports a child’s growth in so many ways. Encouraging regular swing time is an easy, playful way to nurture both body and mind.

Here are some recent Parenting Articles for you to explore…

• Sometimes you Need to Say Yes from Playing with Words 365
• The Positive Roles of a Mother In Law from Kitchen Counter Chronicles
• Teaching Children About Giving and Hunger from The Good Long Road
• Giving One-on-One Attention to Children from Toddler Approved
• Importance of Male Readers from Learn with Play at Home
• Importance of Everyday Moments from Familia & Seoul
• Experiencing New Things with Kids from 52 Brand New
• Moms Fighting Hunger
• Raising a Strong Willed Child
• Raising an Active Child
• Small Hands Creating Hope

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