Am I fun? I seem to ask myself this a lot..
Of course, we want to teach our children to be thoughtful and kind. Discipline is a necessity, but that doesn’t mean we have to be serious all the time. What about being the fun mum? I know I give my kids plenty of love and attention. For the most part they are happy, healthy, and safe. But am I fun enough??
Kids just have the most amazing ability to find joy in the simple things in life. Something as small as blowing the petals off a flower can bring so much joy. The sound of tearing paper can bring excitement. And filling cups of water in the bath can keep them entertained for hours. Sadly, as we grow up, we seem to lose some of this ability to appreciate the simply things in life.
Here’s how watching my kids for inspiration and following their lead has taught me how to have more fun with them..
Be Spontaneous
You don’t have to make a plan to have fun, and you don’t have to go out and spend money. Just playing with your kids and genuinely enjoying it is good enough for them. Follow their lead and get involved.
Imagine
It’s time to play tea parties! Enjoy that cup of tea and cake like it’s the best thing you’ve ever tasted. Play a game of dress ups or sit in the cubby and tell scary stories (not too scary of course!).
Relax
Stress is a total fun killer! Let go of the things you can’t control, especially when around your kids. Set your mind at ease and get rid of the stresses of your day.
Be Silly
We tend to worry about people judging us. Your children won’t judge. They’ll laugh and have fun. These silly moments are the ones they’ll remember and appreciate the most. And don’t forget to listen to their little laughs – it’s the best sound in the world!
Get down
Sit on the floor, lay on the carpet or get down on the grass. Make the effort to connect with your kids at their eye level.
Use Nature
Take note of the things going on in the outside world. The smallest things can be the most amazing things, like the daisies in the garden or the worm finding his way back home. Watch as your child explores the world around them. Join in and explore together.
Get messy
Jump in puddles, paint with your feet, and make mud pies. Yes, just get messy! Your kids don’t care about dirt. In fact, the dirtier the better! It’ll all wash off, yes – even the paint sticking your hair to your face.
Free Up Your Schedule
It’s OK to break our routines and schedules occasionally. It is OK to say “No” to things to be able to free up time to spend with our children. Let the cleaning go for a day or have an easy dinner. Sometimes a spontaneous day of fun is way more important.
Put Your Phone Down
Technology has become a convenient way to keep in touch, but it’s getting in our way. Your kids want you in the moment.
Don’t Forget the Treats!
Make an outing of it. Take a trip to the ice-cream shop together, let them pick whatever they want. Sit together and enjoy every mouth-full. When a treat is a treat (you know – a sometimes thing) you can make so much fun of it!
If you’re looking for ways to have fun with your kids I encourage you to slow down, take a look around and notice what they just do naturally. Join them, laugh, be silly, treat yourselves and have fun! Soak in every single moment you get to spend with your children and create fun memories for the future.
Share with us your tips and how you have come to have to most fun with your kids..
