Autumn is my favorite time of year. I relish the chance to cozy up in my favorite sweater and enjoy a steaming drink (bring on the pumpkin spice!). The vibrant foliage is breathtaking, and I get just as excited as anyone else about the influx of festive holidays.
However, as I began researching activities to enjoy with my children this fall, I felt a wave of anxiety wash over me. With a plethora of articles promising 75 Fall Activities to Try, 100 Must-Do Fall Crafts, and countless local festivals, I felt overwhelmed. As an introverted and sometimes anxious parent, the pressure to create perfect memories with my kids can easily become too much. I long to do everything, even those things that seem beyond my capabilities (crafting is definitely not my strong suit).
This fall, I’ve decided to take a step back and embrace a more relaxed approach. Instead of a Fall Bucket List, I’m opting for a Fall “Forget It” List. Want to join me? Here’s what I’m skipping this season:
1. Creating My Kids’ Costumes From Scratch
I’ve tried this before, and it ended in tears (mine and my children’s). The costumes turned out poorly, so I’m done. Amazon Prime is my go-to for costumes now. A trip to a costume store? Highly unlikely.
2. Attending Every Fall Festival and Carnival
Standing in long lines with cranky kids, only to spend a small fortune on mediocre rides? I’ll do that once or maybe twice, but I refuse to make it a regular occurrence.
3. Going Apple Picking
While I have cherished memories of apple picking with my first child, the long drive and overwhelming number of apples we brought home made it less appealing.
4. Overdoing the Decorations
I enjoy decorating with some colorful mums and a few spooky accents, but I draw the line at elaborate displays. No corn husks or filled wagons for me.
5. Baking Everything in Sight
While I can manage a decent pumpkin pie, I’m not about to stress myself out over complicated recipes. If it takes longer than 20 minutes to prepare, it better come with a guarantee that my kids will actually eat it.
6. Crafting Like Crazy
If my kids want to cut out some shapes, they can go for it. But I simply don’t have the crafting gene, and the messes that come with it stress me out. Forget about glitter or any DIY lampshades.
7. Feeling Pressured to Enjoy Every Moment
There will be countless beautiful moments this fall, but also many challenging ones. I won’t force myself to enjoy every second. For instance, if we’re freezing outside after trick-or-treating, and everyone is whining, I’m not going to pretend it’s all fun. I’ll embrace my frustration alongside my kids.
Even though I know perfection is unattainable, I often get caught up in the expectation that everything will go smoothly—especially during this magical season. This year, I’m preparing myself for things to go awry. Perhaps if I anticipate the worst, I’ll be pleasantly surprised when things don’t turn out as badly as I expect. Here’s hoping.
For more insights on family activities, you might find this blog post useful. And if you’re looking for quality resources on home insemination, check out MedlinePlus. Additionally, Make a Mom provides great tools for those on the journey of parenthood.
Summary:
As fall approaches, embracing a more relaxed attitude towards seasonal activities can alleviate the pressure of parenting. By avoiding overwhelming tasks like crafting costumes, attending every festival, or attempting intricate recipes, parents can focus on creating enjoyable family memories without the stress of perfection.