We are fortunate to live in such an extraordinary era. The Parents United Against Playtime Association (PUAPA for short) has been established, granting a platform for parents who are weary of the endless “playing” demands. These courageous individuals have smiled through numerous rounds of “Old Maid,” all while suppressing their tears (often behind those vacant, emotionless eyes). They are the parents who opted to have more than one child just to avoid the embarrassment of pretending to see a unicorn in the aisles of Target. PUAPA has revitalized our spirits, and I genuinely respect their mission.
But here’s a little secret: I actually enjoy playing with my kids. Shhh! Don’t tell PUAPA; I might get kicked out! I appreciate their perspective, but I’m just a bit less serious than they are. Here’s a list of things I would happily set aside to engage in play with my children:
- Toilet Cleaning: I know this might sound dramatic, but I would gladly be Captain Hook from Jake and the Never Land Pirates a hundred times over rather than find myself elbow-deep in a toilet. Side note: Is it wrong to be elbow-deep? Probably, but I’ve been so engrossed in play that I’ve forgotten the proper cleaning techniques.
- Laundry: I can hear the gasps. Really? Everyone claims to love laundry, which is why no one has invented the folding machine we’ve all seen in memes. I, however, will choose to be Prince Eric from The Little Mermaid rather than the maid stuck with laundry duties.
- Napping: Just kidding! If it comes down to it, I can play with the baby and sneak in a little nap at the same time. Best of both worlds, right? Oh, you already knew that trick? High five!
- Phone Calls: I’m not exactly a chatty person. Unless it’s on a toy phone and I’m pretending to plan a royal party for my daughter, inviting all the princesses and even hiring a band. I could talk all day about that on my faux flip phone.
- Weeding: Yard work? No thanks! Instead, I’ll absolutely soak my kids with water guns before I even think about tackling those weeds. By the time we’ve finished our water fight, it’ll be too late to think about yard work.
- Cleaning the Closet: I wouldn’t touch that mess with someone else’s ten-foot pole. Let’s whip up some colorful shaving cream paints instead and avoid the potential disaster lurking in that closet.
- Yoga: That yoga mat is way better suited as a runway for a fashion show put on by my daughters and me. Bonus: I can strike a warrior pose at the end for dramatic flair. Just imagine: warrior pose meets Blue Steel! Chills!
- Taking Out the Trash: Who cares about garbage when I’m busy teaching the kids the Matching Game and being the MC with a karaoke machine?
- Dusting: Ugh! I’d prefer to be the patient in my daughters’ pretend hospital than deal with sneezing from all that dust flying around.
- Leaving the House: Ugh, going out means getting dressed. Who wants to do that? I can play all day without a bra on. Sign me up! And the best part? I can throw on my wedding dress and parade around the house, and nobody even bats an eye. In fact, they encourage my brand of craziness!
I’m incredibly grateful for PUAPA’s efforts in supporting diverse parenting styles. I look forward to a time when we can all embrace our own ways of parenting without judgment.
Disclaimer: PUAPA is not a real organization…yet. I’ve been brainstorming some catchy slogans, though:
- “I’m not a player, I just want to read a lot.”
- “Don’t hate the player, hate the tears when they lose.”
- “Hold on to your poopa ’cause here comes PUAPA.”
I think there’s potential here.
For more insights into parenting, check out this resource. Additionally, this article is a great read about the journey to parenthood, and Medical News Today offers excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary: This article humorously discusses the author’s willingness to put off chores in favor of playing with her children. From avoiding toilet cleaning to skipping laundry, the author emphasizes the joys of engaging with kids over mundane tasks, all while hinting at a playful, light-hearted approach to parenting.