I’m totally a list person. Organization does not come naturally to me, so TO-DO lists really help keep me on track. You know how adulting is. The lists usually look like this:
– pay the bills
– make the doctor’s appointments
– pick up the prescriptions
– send out party invitations
– write thank you notes
– feel guilty about never writing the thank you notes
– go to the grocery store
– get gas
– take the car in for an oil change
– return library books
– file taxes
– etc. etc. etc.
My oldest daughter, a spunky kindergartener, also makes to-do lists. Before having a friend over to play or going to Grandma’s, she’ll often make a list of all the fun things she’d like to do. Her lists usually look like this:
– color
– play hide and seek
– read books
– go for a walk
– watch TV
– play Uno
It’s not hard to see the difference! 😊 I truly love and appreciate that, outside of a few homework sheets every night, she has a relatively carefree childhood. She doesn’t have to worry about the lights getting shut off or where her next meal will come from. She can simply focus on learning and having fun. I know a lot of kids don’t have that.
Still, there are times when I can’t help but feel a little envious of how her lists differ from mine. Then I remember that one of the joys of being a parent is that her fun becomes my fun. Her joy becomes my joy. She gives me lots of excuses to act like a kid again – to blow bubbles, run through sprinklers, and ride Dumbo at Disney World.
Together, we made a to-do list for her Spring Break, which is next week:
– Make homemade pizza.
– Watch “The Grinch.”
– Complete an art project.
– Make homemade cookies.
– Go to Chuck E. Cheese.
– Go swimming.
– Eat a Happy Meal.
As you can see, it’s going to be a great week! And here’s my challenge to you, dear mamas, so that you can have a great week, too: please, for the love of all that is good, put “HAVE FUN” back on your to-do list. Consider this your invitation!
Have fun with your kiddos, fun with your spouse, fun with your friends, fun by yourself. Laugh. Dance. Go to the movies. Read.
It’s impossible to enjoy parenting all of the time, but it would be a tragedy if you didn’t find a way to enjoy it at least some of the time. Yes, I know it feels like the laundry, dishes, and bills are stalking you. 😂 But your kids won’t be under your roof forever. Seize these moments while you still can — because Dumbo waits for no one…❤️ 🐘 ❤️!
Recommended Reading:
These are two of my favorite books, and both are extremely “fun” reads!
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