Being a mom is a joy that I cherish deeply. I love every moment I get to spend with my children, even if it’s just a trip to the store. My heart swells when I see my 9-year-old engage in thoughtful conversations, or when my middle child excitedly shares his latest findings about toads. Meanwhile, my youngest babbles away, filling the car with his sweet lisp as we sing along to our favorite tunes. I know that these days are fleeting, and I’ll look back on them with fondness.
However, when it comes to playtime, I have to admit—it’s just not my thing. Some moms thrive in the world of imaginative play, diving into LEGO constructions and pretending to be superheroes. They can name every character from popular shows and spend hours playing pretend. That’s not me.
I’m open to certain activities; I enjoy board games and crafting, especially if glitter and hot glue are involved. I’ll happily build with Keva blocks alongside my kids, but I won’t be the one initiating playtime. My children have learned to entertain themselves, which I believe fosters their independence. Without screens until later in the day, they create mud pits, explore the backyard, and even construct intricate LEGO projects—like the model of the Cretaceous era my son recently made.
When the kids want to engage in arts and crafts, I’m ready to join in on painting or drawing. However, they’re aware that I’m not the go-to parent for every game or activity. Thankfully, they’re not missing out on anything. I never felt deprived as a child because my mom wasn’t a playmate; independent play is crucial for creativity and problem-solving skills.
Not participating in playtime has its perks. I have more time for myself, allowing me to write, garden, and pursue my interests. I also enjoy the privilege of homeschooling, which means I get to spend quality time with each child individually. We share laughs, learn together, and bond in a way that feels fulfilling.
My husband isn’t one for floor play either, but he enjoys fishing and hiking with the kids. We explore nature together, learning about local wildlife. We may not be the traditional “get-down-on-the-floor” parents, but we find joy in our shared experiences.
As my children grow, I know I’ll miss the little moments, like the sound of my son’s tuneless singing or crafting together. However, I won’t miss the act of playing itself—stepping on stray LEGOs is not something I’ll reminisce about!
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In summary, I love my role as a mother and treasure the moments I have with my kids, even if I don’t partake in every activity they enjoy. Our family dynamic works well for us, focusing on fostering independence and creating lasting memories outside of traditional playtime.