As a stay-at-home mom with two energetic toddler boys, my days often consist of repeating phrases like, “No candy for breakfast,” “Please clean up your toys,” and “Don’t hit your brother!” It’s a whirlwind of chaos, filled with the expected tantrums, giggles, and the occasional brawl. Between my constant reminders and requests for them to eat dinner or take a bath, I sometimes feel like a broken record, just trying to survive the day.
Then, just as the day was winding down, my husband, Jake, came home. Suddenly, my boys’ faces lit up with joy. They rushed to him, showering him with affection that I hadn’t seen all day. It’s as if they had forgotten my existence. The moment Jake asked them to clean up their toys, they complied without hesitation, happily devouring their dinner and eagerly accepting a bath from him.
In the eyes of my kids, I was the fun police—the one who enforced the rules. Jake, on the other hand, was their hero, swooping in after a long day at work. Still, I couldn’t help but crave that same compliance and adoration from my boys.
Then, I decided it was time for a change. I declared it a day of fun—a day where I would say “yes” to almost everything. Here’s how it unfolded:
As usual, my 2-year-old dashed to the pantry the moment he woke up, eyeing the junk food instead of the nutritious breakfast I had prepared. This time, instead of a firm “no,” I surprised him by saying yes and handed him two marshmallows. His expression transformed into pure delight, and I couldn’t resist joining the fun by having one myself.
Next, instead of insisting on the kitchen table, I let them enjoy their cereal in front of the TV while I savored a hot cup of coffee. No whining or power struggles—just a peaceful morning.
When I asked my boys what they wanted to do, they excitedly shouted, “Animals!” which meant a trip to the zoo. Forget about cleaning up before we left; I tossed the dishes in the sink and off we went. It felt liberating to embrace spontaneity.
At the zoo, we indulged in cotton candy and popcorn, and I even let them pick out plastic animal toys. Who knew being a parent could feel so much like being a grandparent—full of treats and fun?
Lunchtime rolled around, and we opted for a McDonald’s Happy Meal, which brought joy without the usual fuss of meal prep. Afterward, we enjoyed ice cream, racing against the melting drips, leaving us sticky but happy.
We then headed to the park, where my boys ran freely, and I didn’t worry about time or dinner prep. We stayed until they were ready to leave, soaking in the moment.
As dinner approached, they chose macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, and a cookie. To my surprise, I didn’t fret over nutrition or planning. After dinner, I faced my least favorite task: coaxing them into the bath. Instead, I let it go, figuring I could catch them with a wet wipe later.
The evening was spent with my boys playing happily, surrounded by toys. I didn’t nag them to clean up; instead, we played dinosaurs on the living room floor, fully immersed in our time together. It struck me how rare it is to simply enjoy these moments without distractions.
Reflecting on the day, I realized how much fun I had—more than I had anticipated. By letting go of my worries and focusing on making it enjoyable for my boys, I found joy for myself as well. There was no stress or nagging, just pure freedom. Yes, my house was a mess, and nutrition took a backseat, but it was worth it.
Not every day can be like this, and I understand the importance of balance in parenting. However, incorporating a day of fun every now and then might just be the key to creating lasting memories and fostering a sense of joy in our lives.
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Summary
In a quest for more joy in parenting, I decided to say yes to my children’s requests for a day. From indulging in marshmallows for breakfast to spontaneous trips to the zoo and carefree playtime, we embraced a day of fun without the usual rules and stress, allowing for cherished moments together.