By: Jamie Thompson
Updated: Feb. 25, 2021
Originally Published: Aug. 5, 2015
In today’s world, we find ourselves in a unique era. The Parent Empowerment Coalition (PEC) has emerged, giving a voice to parents who are weary of the traditional expectations of “play.” These courageous individuals have pretended to enjoy games like “Go Fish” while suppressing their inner turmoil. They’ve even gone so far as to add another child to the family to avoid the indignity of pretending to see a dragon at the grocery store. PEC has given us a fresh perspective on parenting, and I commend their efforts.
However, I must confess: I genuinely enjoy playing with my kids. Please keep this under wraps; I don’t want to be ousted from PEC. I appreciate their mission, but I find myself a bit less serious than they are. Here is a list of activities I would willingly postpone to engage with my children:
- Toilet Cleaning: Let’s be honest, I would choose to be Captain Hook from “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” a hundred times over rather than deal with the porcelain throne. Am I doing it wrong if I find myself elbow-deep in cleaning supplies? Perhaps, but I’ve been too busy playing to remember the proper techniques.
- Laundry: While many moms claim to love laundry (hence the absence of a folding robot), I’m happy to trade the role of laundry maid for that of Prince Eric from “The Little Mermaid.”
- Napping: Just kidding! If the option arises, I can play with the baby and sneak in a nap simultaneously. It’s a win-win situation. Mind blown? Well, if you know this trick already, high five!
- Phone Conversations: I’m not much of a chatterbox. However, give me a toy phone to plan a pretend birthday bash for my daughter, and I’ll talk endlessly about inviting princesses and hiring a band.
- Weed Removal: Yard work? No, thank you! I’d rather engage in a water gun fight with my kids than tackle those pesky weeds. By the time we’re done, night will have fallen, and yard work will be a distant memory.
- Closet Cleanout: That cluttered closet we stuff everything into before guests arrive? Not touching it! Instead, let’s make some rainbow paints with shaving cream and food coloring.
- Yoga: The yoga mat in my home is better suited for a fashion runway starring my daughters and me. I can always throw in a warrior pose for dramatic flair!
- Taking Out the Trash: Garbage duty? Not a chance! I’m busy orchestrating the Matching Game with my kids, complete with a karaoke machine.
- Dusting: I’d rather be patient zero in my daughters’ hospital role-play than deal with the sneezes that come from disturbing dust.
- Leaving the House: The requirement to get dressed before going out? No thanks! I can play all day without a bra. Plus, I can wear my wedding dress at home, and my kids love it!
I am grateful for PEC’s commitment to embracing diverse parenting styles. I look forward to a time when all parents can follow their own paths without judgment.
For additional insights into home insemination and parenting, check out our related blog post here and learn more from Make a Mom, a trusted source on fertility supplements. Also, CCRM IVF offers excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, while many parents might shy away from playtime in favor of household tasks, I find joy in prioritizing fun with my children over mundane chores. This simple shift in perspective can lead to cherished memories and a stronger bond with our little ones.