In our household, it often seems like Mom gets a raw deal. Dad is the one who gets to be the “fun parent,” tossing kids into the air, playing games, and cracking jokes. Meanwhile, I’m just the one in the background, tidying up after the messes they create. I even jokingly refer to my husband as “Mr. Fun,” a title I use with a hint of sarcasm to emphasize my frustration.
“It’s not fair,” I lament. “Every single day, I’m the one cooking meals, organizing playdates, and juggling appointments to ensure our kids lead happy lives. Then you come in with your goofy antics and get all the fun time while I handle the serious stuff. Seriously, Mr. Fun?” In return, he affectionately dubs me “The Commander.”
This used to irk me. I would become defensive, channeling my inner Jack Nicholson and reminding him of the importance of courtesy and responsibility. “You need me holding down the fort,” I’d assert. “And I don’t have the time to explain to someone who is busy wrestling under the freedom I provide.”
Recently, while I was once again “encouraging” the kids to clean up after dinner, my husband said, “This is what they’ll remember about you: barking orders.” Ouch! Was that the impression I was leaving? Would my kids only recall me as the strict mom? That would be disappointing.
It’s not as if I don’t create fun moments with my kids. I surprise them with spontaneous outings, take them to see movies, and even craft special birthday activities, like a scavenger hunt that left my son overjoyed. Yet, it seems that my daily parenting responsibilities overshadow those joyful experiences. “I’m just as fun as any other mom,” I tell myself. Or am I?
Just the other day, a younger mother I know shared her exciting plans for the last day of school. After the bell rang, she would ambush her kids with silly string and water balloons. “Wow, that sounds amazing!” I said, but I couldn’t help feeling overwhelmed by the sheer energy required for such elaborate surprises. Between work and daily tasks, I often struggle to figure out what to make for dinner.
I mentioned this to another friend who agreed, “I’d love to be that kind of mom, but with everything I already do, those extra moments of fun aren’t even on my radar.” The thought of cutting sandwiches into fun shapes or declaring a “Yes” day felt daunting, making me resentful of Pinterest for feeding my insecurities. Instead, I planned to mark my kids’ last day of school simply by being there to pick them up — a small win, but a win nonetheless.
Then the fun mom texted me, “MEET US AT THE FIELD ON THE SIDE OF THE SCHOOL. BRING WATER GUNS.” Hmmm, water guns. I could manage that, far less hassle than filling and tying countless water balloons. So, why not?
When the bell rang, I told the twins my car was parked elsewhere, and we made our way to the field where the festivities were already underway. With the help of some other moms, we unleashed a water fight that was as exhilarating as it sounds. Just like that, a change in mindset transformed my day.
As summer break kicks off, I wonder if I can maintain this newfound fun. Sure, I still have chores and the challenge of keeping the peace among my kids, but that doesn’t mean every day has to feel like a slog. I’ve been taking my parenting role far too seriously — which is frankly absurd since I can’t be fired from this job. It’s about time for this Commander to lighten up!
By embracing a little spontaneity and laughter, I hope my kids will start seeing me as “Mommy Fun.” After all, how we present ourselves can shape our children’s perceptions. If things get messy or ice cream becomes dinner, who really cares? Not my kids or my husband. Domestic duties often make me miserable anyway. I just need a sign that says, “Please excuse the mess; we are busy making memories.” Way more enjoyable than my vacuum cleaner that I received for Mother’s Day.
In conclusion, it’s essential to find a balance between responsibilities and fun. Embracing spontaneity can create lasting, joyful memories with your children.
Keyphrase: parenting fun
Tags: home insemination kit, home insemination syringe, self insemination