I’ve noticed that with my kids in general, when they are playing, it is best to try and not let them see you checking on them. Because, eye contact makes them realize. “Oh yeah, there’s Mom. Now it’s time to whine and beg for stuff”. So, I try to be sneaky. And, just crack the door a little and take a peek.
As you can see, this gives you no real information
So, I have the playroom strategically placed where it is far enough away from the computer where they forget I’m down here, but close enough that I can hear catastrophe. I really don’t like my basement all that much, but it is where we have the computer, so you know, I pretty much live down here. We moved the toys to one tiny room (aka playroom) so that the family room in the basement would be more adult friendly (i.e. no kids toys and crumbs strewn all over the place) PS-It didn’t work. They still drag things from there to here.
But, occasionally, they play quietly together. And, even the baby gets to join in. Don’t worry, my 6 year old is very responsible. Ahem. Well, for the most part. I really don’t like how she feels she is strong enough to carry the baby around all the time now. 
Oh wait! She was just putting him in the princess chair. Phew.
And, yes, I am very aware that his hair needs some help.
But, sometimes, they catch me. Dang it. And, it is usually, “Mom, I’m thirsty” or “Mom, Kyle isn’t sharing” or the dreaded, “Mom, I don’t want to play anymore”. Which really means, entertain me or I will whine non-stop between the hours of 4pm-6pm when Daddy comes home and I instantly become happy again. Crap. I need to work on my skills at being more sneaky.
Its amazing to me how kids do that. The second they see you all the sudden they are hungry, bored and anything else they can think to complain about all at the same time. And here I thought only my kids did that. LOL! Cherie’
When my daughter is playing and having a blast. I love to watch her and I to try to gaze at her or peak in so she doesn’t see me. Otherwise play time is over and I am not allowed to get anything done. Its so cute how they play, so fun to watch. 🙂
I super appreciate the “play room” and loved having one when me and my sister were kids. It’s nice to have a sanctuary (and a place to feel like you can get away with something!). Isn’t it funny how mom always pokes in right when you are about to put your master-plan of doom and disaster into action? I can’t wait until we have enough room for a playroom of our own. It feels like the entirety of our apartment is a playroom right now!
Well, we are super lucky to have a playroom, but we are just renting. When we buy a house, that playroom will probably turn into playroom/office/guest room again! 🙂
I just wanted to say that this: “or the dreaded, “Mom, I don’t want to play anymore”. ” is so spot on it made me laugh out loud at my desk.
ha ha! I know. Seriously.
Brilliant, I think we’re living parallel lives 😉
Oh yes, the dreaded eye contact that inevitably leads to the end of the peace and quiet. I hate that. Ya know what’s really fun? When I’m in the laundry room or something folding clothes and my boys don’t know where I am and they both run around the house calling my name and asking each other “where’s mom?”……I just love that…..for the 2 minutes it lasts.