I just read a post on Meagan Francis’ blog The Happiest Mom that has inspired my own post. Francis listed things she does not do as a mom, including crafts and playing Candyland. And she makes no apologies. It got me to thinking of the things that I have chosen to do and not to do as a parent. I do some things that other parents might find strange and even restrictive at times. Likewise, I don’t do things that I’m sure others enjoy or make time for. Of course my lists don’t fit everyone. But they fit our family, our choices and our priorities.
A few dos:
Cloth diaper
Make birthday video montages
Encourage free play
Limit TV watching to 2 hours per day (typically)
Eat organically (as much as possible)
Cook meals from scratch (most of the time)
Keep a fairly orderly house (for the most part)
Spend time in nature (often)
And now some don’ts:
Scrapbook
Join a play/moms group
Iron
Vacuum and mop frequently…even with 2 kids and 3 pets
Organize activities and projects for the kids
Take the kids on outings alone (especially if they cost money)
Throw elaborate birthday parties
Take them to library storytimes
Sign them up for sports that cramp my schedule
To me, the important thing in parenthood isn’t about whether or not red dye #40 crosses their lips (though I might prefer it doesn’t) or if my kids have the opportunity to test out every sport imaginable (after all, tennis is all that really matters). I’m not in this to be any sort of supermom who does it all, while wearing heels and a smile. To me parenthood is more about realizing who you are and who your kids are, and falling into the rhythm that allows you to grow together in a way that enriches your lives. Will our lists change over time? I’m sure they will. But, as long as we stay true to ourselves and our priorities, we can roll with those changes. No capes, heels or forced smiles required.
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