After a long day of school or a full day at summer camp, my kids always ask, “What’s the plan?” If I mention a quiet evening at home, I’m met with groans. They crave action—dinner with friends, soccer practice, ice cream runs, or a visit to beloved “aunties” who aren’t relatives but feel like family.
“Why do we have to go home? We want to do something!” they protest. My children are enthusiastic social butterflies, always ready for the next adventure. On those rare nights without plans, they seem to revolt against the idea of relaxing. While some might see our lives as over-scheduled, I believe this busy lifestyle is beneficial for our family.
Having three active kids—a 9-year-old and 7-year-old twins—means they each have their interests and friends, leading to a whirlwind of activities. Overlaps and conflicts are common, and our dry erase board is filled with soccer, art classes, playdates, and various community events. I often wonder if I shaped their love for activities or if their energy demands that I keep them engaged. Perhaps it’s a bit of both.
I’m active too, balancing yoga, running, Crossfit, work, and social gatherings. My eldest daughter, now 9, has grown accustomed to a lively home where friends frequently drop by. She thrives on this interaction, and so do the twins. As our friends have kids, the playdates have become more about the children bonding, which often leaves me free to socialize with other adults. These gatherings usually turn into spontaneous cookouts or potluck dinners, where the atmosphere is vibrant and lively—exactly what my kids need.
This charming chaos is what I crave too. I enjoy catching up with friends, and our busy schedules often provide the perfect opportunities—whether at sports events or family get-togethers. Honestly, I prefer this dynamic engagement to quiet, unstructured time at home.
I’m always amazed by those who can manage lazy days at home. Our weekends often start with cartoons, but once the television is off, my kids are ready for action. They can entertain themselves, but too much downtime leads to restlessness and bickering. Home means constant requests for snacks or entertainment, which only increases my stress.
Sure, my kids have time to ride bikes and create forts, but we function best when we’re out and about. After all, there are only so many messes I’m willing to deal with, and I prefer quality interactions over tedious board games fraught with sibling disputes. We stay active together—hiking, biking, visiting the library, or hitting the pool, often fitting multiple activities into a single day. Our Saturdays start slow with coffee and cartoons, but before we know it, we’re off to the races, connecting friendships and creating memories. We may be running on fumes, but we’re just running, and it works for us.
My family thrives on being busy, and I have no intention of changing that.
For more insights on family dynamics, visit our other blog posts, like this useful one on home insemination. If you’re considering starting a family, check out Make a Mom’s guide to artificial insemination kits for expert advice. Additionally, NHS has excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
In conclusion, my family’s busy schedule suits us perfectly. Our active lifestyle fosters friendships and creates lasting memories. Embracing our chaos allows each of us to thrive, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.