When I stepped into motherhood, I took on numerous responsibilities—none of which I had formally trained for. Each day has been a learning experience, navigating through various roles. Some are delightful, like being a Memory Keeper and Chief Cuddler. However, others can be quite grim, such as the Barf Collector and Butt Inspector. Thankfully, my kids have no frame of reference for other mothers, or else they’d probably consider firing me.
While my culinary skills leave much to be desired, I’ve surprisingly found success as an amateur Hair Stylist, even if my little clients often shed tears. My timing as a Chauffeur is questionable at best, but I have earned some accolades for my search-and-rescue missions. Among all these roles, though, there’s one I refuse to embrace: Entertainer. Sure, I can read a story with exaggerated voices and bust a move during our impromptu ‘80s dance party, but I draw the line at being their perpetual source of amusement.
The truth is, I have no interest in mastering this art. Attempting to be their constant source of entertainment would require me to act constantly, and I’m simply not cut out for that. I can sit through a puzzle session with my five-year-old for about half an hour before I start feeling like I might just toss the whole thing out. And as for pretending to be a baby cat? I can manage that for a brief moment before boredom sets in, and my kitty character just wants to take a nap.
I’m more than willing to take them on adventures outdoors, but I can’t engage in their ongoing fantasy play the whole time. My improvisations often stray from the script, and that does not go over well with the directors—kids can be quite demanding!
I’m the mom who packs up bikes and snacks for an outing. I’ll help construct the fort, but I’m not keen on playing in it afterward. I’ll provide the ingredients for Play-Doh and encourage them to use all their creativity, but I prefer not to get involved. I’ll bring home large cardboard boxes and markers, but I won’t be crafting that rocket ship for them. I’ll open the door and let them explore the yard, giving them all the materials they need, but it’s their responsibility to figure out how to use them.
I wholeheartedly believe in the value of boredom, as it’s during those quiet moments that creativity often strikes. Sometimes it inspires brilliant ideas like crafting tiaras from toilet paper rolls, but other times, it leads to risky ventures like scaling the deck. Learning about cause-and-effect is essential too.
If my children depend on me for fun and excitement, they may never learn to forge their own paths of creativity. It would be tragic if they never discovered how to create their own joy. I won’t rob them of that experience, nor will I prevent them from appreciating the significance of boredom.
My focus is on preparing my children for the future. I want them to grow into adults who are enjoyable to be around—those quirky, imaginative individuals who dream up ideas others deem impossible. They should challenge conventionality and feel confident sharing their unique visions.
So, while I juggle many roles as a mother, being their entertainer is not one of them. However, I’m striving to excel as a Futures Analyst.
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In summary, while I embrace the various roles of motherhood, I refuse to be my kids’ constant source of entertainment. Instead, I prioritize their growth and independence, encouraging them to find joy and creativity on their own.