Let’s face it, everyone needs a breather. When I decided to become a parent, I knew right away that I couldn’t be my kids’ personal entertainment committee 24/7. It’s just not my style. Trying to be “on” all the time is exhausting and, quite frankly, a bit overwhelming. This doesn’t mean I don’t adore my little ones or cherish our quality time together; I just appreciate it more when they can amuse themselves while I tackle my own tasks—like frying bacon or texting my sister about the latest gossip.
There’s something lovely about enjoying their laughter from a distance. When they’re happily playing on their own while I bake or read, I find immense joy in those moments, even if they only last a few minutes. And let’s be honest, I refuse to entertain them non-stop because they don’t need a jam-packed schedule. They’re kids, but also…
- I Value Free Time.
Every day, I carve out a little time for myself—it’s my secret weapon for recharging and tackling the chaos of our lives. Kids need that freedom, too. They deserve space to daydream and let their imaginations run wild, just like adults do. - Less Entertainment Means More Self-Sufficiency.
When my first child was born, I spent a ton of time keeping him entertained. Because of that, he came to expect constant attention. While I don’t regret those moments, I noticed a shift when his siblings arrived. It was a tough adjustment for him to share the spotlight. - Living in the Moment is Essential.
Kids, like adults, cherish spontaneous moments that aren’t planned. If I hovered over them at every turn, they’d miss valuable life lessons—like sneaking candy or creating a DIY beauty tutorial with my makeup. - Toys Should Have a Purpose.
What’s the point of all those toys if they’re not played with? Sure, I could join in the fun, but when my daughter wanted to throw a dance party for her Barbies, I realized that if I wasn’t getting a Barbie foot massage out of it, I was out! - I’m a Mom, Not a Circus Performer.
Between driving them around, cooking, and organizing their lives, I do plenty for my kids, but I’m not here to do everything with them. We had multiple children for a reason: so they could entertain and support each other. - I Have My Own Life.
I need them to find ways to keep themselves busy because I have a job and friendships that matter to me. They know they come first, but life is about balance, and they have to learn that sometimes they take a backseat. - They Have More Fun Without Me.
Let’s be real—I’m not the best at playing pretend games, and I definitely don’t enjoy losing to a 10-year-old in a game of Pig. They thrive when I’m not in the mix, calling the shots. - I’m Just Plain Tired.
Let’s not sugarcoat this: exhaustion is a major reason I don’t entertain them constantly. Sure, I could frame it as promoting their cognitive development, but honestly, I’d rather say, “I’m too tired to play a board game after dinner,” and leave it at that.
In the grand scheme of things, free time is invaluable for both kids and parents. Moms have a million things on their plates, and while entertaining kids is part of that, it’s not our only role. So yes, you’ll find me scrolling on my phone or chatting with a friend while the kids are lost in their own adventures—guilt-free.
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Summary:
In this article, I share why I refuse to entertain my kids constantly. It’s essential for both parents and children to have their own space to recharge and grow. From fostering independence to ensuring life remains balanced, I believe that allowing kids to engage in their own play is crucial for their development and my sanity.