Survival Of The Silliest
Days like today, when my seven little mischief makers are all home, it really throws a wrench in my day. The usual routine of cleaning, blogging and enjoying my three adorable toddlers has to be put on the shelf and replaced with 16 hours of pure damage control/fight prevention. I have found myself so frustrated and fed up with their lack of consideration for the house and each other, that I have actually lost my voice from screaming. Sound insane? It is. I decided after last summer break, when I nearly ground my teeth to nubs and had to be put on an antidepressant to control my stress levels and bruxism, that the key to surviving vacation days with wild children, is to transform myself into one of them.
I know it sounds too easy to be effective. It’s not as easy as it sounds, if you’re a person who likes to keep the house clean and accomplish usual household tasks. Step one is forgetting your chores and putting tasks on hold. As my mother in law (mother of thirteen,) always says, “There’s always tomorrow!” But, for me, it takes a lot of effort to keep the cleaning products in their cupboard. Step two is forgetting that you’re an adult. Think like a child. What did you like to do as a youngster? Help your kids think up some fun ideas or just let them have the reigns for the day. Step three is letting yourself experience unrestrained fun. Forget the merriment inspired messes, the fact that you’re way too old to have a tea party and just live in the joy of the moment.
I understand that this type of behavior is not feasible on a continual basis, as the functionality of the household depends on your consistency. But one day of unadultrated play time and chore shirking will do wonders for your inner child and your outer children. So log off of your computer, put away the mop and pull out the dress up clothes. I myself am planning to don my finest feathered hat, fanciest sequin dress and be a waitress at ”Cafe Prescott” this afternoon. The kids love hearing me say, “May I take your order?” They are so used to, “You’ll eat it because it’s your only choice,” that it brings about a welcome change of tone. They actually utter words of thanks and complimentary phrases, even though it’s the same old turkey sandwich they’ve always had for lunch. After that, we’ll play freeze dance, make crafts and be kindred spirits for the remainder of the day. Today, my inner child will be echoing the words of the great Dr. Martin Luther King, “Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”
Tags: behavior, children, entertainment, mommy-moments, vacationRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Catch All, Family Fun
4 opinions for Survival Of The Silliest
Shannon Smith
Jan 21, 2008 at 2:02 pm
I love this! I’m getting ready to go do some silly stuff with mine. I only have one, but it seems just as hectic. LOL Have a great, silly day!
Marye
Jan 21, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Ours are home all the time since we homeschool. Normally we work and play together. It does build family ties and stop bickering when you are racing the clock to clean a room so you can go play monopoly. I am silly all the time. I dont think they would notice.
Kadi Prescott
Jan 21, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Kudos to you, Marye, for your homeschooling endeavors! It’s nice to know that there are other moms out there who know the value of silliness!
Qtpies7~
Jan 21, 2008 at 6:41 pm
I don’t know about being silly, but I am with your m-i-l, the chores will still be there tomorrow. I try to only fight them a couple times instead of daily. It keeps me sane, and I just turn a blind eye to the house. When they complain I just remind them that if they did it daily it wouldn’t be so long.
I lost the battle. Clean is something I dream of later, right now I go for being able to walk, not get sick, and get rid of any funky smells, which may or may not actually be one of my children.
I am pretty sure my children would pass out if I got silly with them, lol.
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