Domestic Psychology

Old mailbox, new toy

// March 28th, 2012 // No Comments » // children, play

As we slowly renovate our aging house, we frequently find the discarded materials impossible to actually discard. The old and obscenely oversized mailbox was recently replaced by a copper-colored mailbox that coordinates with the new exterior house fixtures. The old mailbox sat on the lawn for less than a minute before the children were climbing and sitting on it. As I watched them play, it was glaringly obvious that the old mailbox would make a great seat for small people. In less time than it took to decide the mailbox should be saved, I decided it needed wheels. One can of spray paint and four casters later, we have a seat for playing video games, a solo riding toy, and a crawl inside to spin ride. One less item in the landfill is just a bonus.

Spring Break begins today

// March 16th, 2012 // No Comments » // flickr, play

Mirror maze technique

// January 12th, 2011 // 3 Comments » // children, play

Tommy: Keep one arm outstretched and a hand touching the mirror until you reach the end of the maze.
Sarah: Vanish in the maze with the boyfriend for as long as possible before parents find you.
Noah: Walk sloooowly and cautiously.
Amy: Count the number of reflections to figure out what’s a mirror and what’s a pathway.
Evan: Run until you smash into something. Turn and repeat.

Bonus: Doug’s reaction – “I could build a mirror maze. First, I need to sketch out a plan and supply list. Which pocket has my moleskin?”

easily amused

// November 10th, 2010 // No Comments » // flickr, play

Five bazillion museums, memorials and monuments to see in DC, but we had to stop and play on the lawn.

More than play

// August 27th, 2010 // 1 Comment » // kid quotes, play

Me: “Evan? What are you doing?”
Evan: “I’m just playing.”
Me: “Playing what?”
Evan: “I have to stack these toys using chopsticks instead of fingers.”
Me: “Keep playing.”

How to dance like a 14-year-old

// May 24th, 2010 // 2 Comments » // flickr, play, teenagers

Step one: Girls dance while boys hide at the snack table.
Step two: Girls physically drag boys to dance floor (and photographer).
Step three: Boys lump together on one side of the dance floor while girls lump together on the other side.
Step four: Brilliant DJ gets everyone to line dance.
Step five: Boys and girls mash together until there is no way to step in any direction.
Step six: Everyone jumps like a pogo stick to the beat of the music.
Step seven: Fall asleep on the car ride home.

Psst! Happy 14th Birthday Noah!

Lots-o-Huggin’ Bear

// April 28th, 2010 // No Comments » // movies, play

Is he in the Disney Store now or are they waiting for June 18th?

Amy + Evan = trouble

// April 22nd, 2010 // No Comments » // play, siblings, video

*alternate title – “Mommy is tah-red”

Drop Dead Bob

// April 21st, 2010 // 1 Comment » // play

When Sarah was small, she had an esoteric friend named Bob. He made random comments. “Bob stands on his head when it rains.” Bob was more of an alter-ego than an invisible friend. Or so we thought.

Bob reappeared a few years ago as Amy’s secret playmate. Sarah hadn’t spoken of Bob in a few years, so it seemed more than a little odd to hear that familiar name. Nevertheless, Bob was back. “Bob and I want to paint.” Bob’s presence was more noticeable this time around. Sometimes he was bold. “Bob wants a cookie.”

For a few months, it looked like Amy had outgrown Bob. Out of the blue, Bob reappeared with a brashness that was less appreciated than the cookie eater incarnation. “Bob drawed on the wall with the crayons.” The naughty things that look like they were done by Evan are increasingly being blamed on Bob. Bob throws things at my head while I am driving. Bob plays with a flashlight when Evan is supposed to be sleeping. Bob is clearly related to Fred. I don’t know if I like Bob. I think we may need Ghostbusters or Frank Bannister to evict Bob.

imaginary swag bags

// February 15th, 2010 // No Comments » // play

Did you see pictures of the Macworld swag? Spiffy. Because I’m a goof, I compiled the imaginary swag bag I would want from a tech conference.
Lens cleaning cloth
Canned air
Rechargeable AA batteries
Earbuds
Jawbone
Small logo stickers from exhibitors/speakers
iTunes credit
iPhone case
Stand for phone
Teeny bags for stuff like earbuds, batteries and adaptors
Chocolate
Reusable coffee cup band to use instead of the cardboard the store uses.
A sack to hold everything that can reused for groceries.

What’s in YOUR fantasy swag bag?