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- The Creative Thinking Parent
This week, I found myself at the kitchen table with my 5-year-old, Leo, diving into arts and crafts (which he charmingly refers to as “arts and craps,” and honestly, I can’t say I disagree). He was eager to create a snowman, but after countless snowmen this winter, I suggested we try a Valentine’s craft instead.
“How about we draw a big heart?” I proposed. “Then we can decorate it.” Not exactly a Pinterest masterpiece, but he’s just five and doesn’t know the difference.
“Okay,” he replied, picking up the marker with a hint of skepticism.
“Just try to make it big enough to cut out and decorate,” I encouraged.
He focused intently, his tongue peeking out as he attempted the shape. Unfortunately, what emerged on the construction paper resembled more of a lumpy potato than a heart.
“Oh sweetie, do you need some help drawing a heart? Let’s try this together,” I suggested (a classic parenting blunder). I drew dashed lines for him to connect; I guided his hand, and even drew a heart for him to trace. After what felt like an eternity and numerous failed attempts, I could hear the cacophony of Mom Voices in my head.
The Critical Mom was scolding, “Seriously? Why can’t he get this right? This is a disaster!”
The Guilt-ridden Mom chimed in, “This is all on me. I should be doing more activities with him. I’m just not enough.”
The Exhausted Mom muttered, “Can we please just stop and watch some TV instead?”
The Cheerleader Mom was cheering loudly, “If you can’t do it, who can?”
The Wino Mom glanced at the clock, wondering, “Is it too early for a glass of wine?”
The Overdramatic Mom was on the verge of tears, “I’m such a failure! I can’t even teach him to draw a simple heart!”
The Blamer Mom was wagging her finger, “What are teachers even teaching these days?”
Then, finally, the Creative Thinking Parent broke through the noise. “How about we try an uppercase ‘V’?” I suggested. “Now make two little peaks on top. Yes! You did it!”
And just like that, Leo managed to draw a heart. Exhausted from the effort, he was ready to move on, and honestly, so was I. I had a date with my favorite glass of wine waiting for me.
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Summary:
In this humorous take on parenting, Jamie Parker recounts her experience with her son, Leo, as they attempt a Valentine’s craft. Faced with the challenge of teaching him to draw a heart, Jamie hears various “Mom Voices” in her head, from critical to guilty, until she cleverly simplifies the task. Ultimately, Leo succeeds in drawing a heart, but both he and Jamie are too pooped to continue. The story highlights the ups and downs of parenting while subtly suggesting helpful resources for those interested in home insemination.