Parks, playgrounds, zoos, museums, and all those Mommy-and-Me classes—there’s no shortage of activities designed to get kids out of the house and socializing. But here’s the kicker: I’m not particularly fond of any of these outings. In fact, that might be an understatement.
I genuinely try to engage in these activities, but as a self-proclaimed homebody, what many consider fun often feels like a source of anxiety for me. Sure, there are rare occasions when I’ll take my kids to a public event (and by “fun,” I mean they have a blast while I count down the seconds until I can go home). Generally, these outings are reserved for weekends when both my partner and I can tag-team the adventure or as a special reward for accomplishments, like excellent grades.
Of course, this choice comes with a healthy dose of mom guilt. Just the other day, while trying to survive a particularly long story hour at the library, I struck up a conversation with another parent. “Don’t you just adore being here?” she exclaimed, enthusiasm radiating from her like she was about to win the lottery. “Wednesdays are a blast for Liam and me! We kick things off at the playground, then head to toddler music class, grab lunch at that burger joint with the amazing ball pit, and finally, we come here before heading to ‘Wacky Wednesday’ at the petting zoo, where admission is half price!”
“That sounds great!” I said, forcing a smile, while my inner voice was screaming, “That sounds like a nightmare!” I concluded with a half-hearted truth: “Liam is a lucky kid.”
And he is, which only adds to my feelings of inadequacy whenever I encounter a parent like Liam’s mom. “Why can’t you be that engaged and enthusiastic?” my inner critic chides, followed by guilt for not buying organic apples.
But I must be fair to myself. I have four kids; Liam’s mom has just him. Coordinating activities becomes a logistical challenge. Each child has their own interests, leading to a chaotic schedule. Not to mention the time crunch—between meals, homework, and basic household maintenance, I can barely find the hours to breathe, let alone shuttle the kids to multiple events. And let’s not even start on the cost of four admission fees for every outing. At this rate, I’d need to take out a second mortgage just to manage our grocery bills (organic apples included).
While my kids might not have a mother who thrives on taking them to every possible enrichment opportunity, they do have a mom who teaches them how to whip up pancakes, encourages imaginative play with glue and detergent for their “goop” experiments, and explores the neighborhood on nature walks, all while stopping to observe an anthill together. The memories we create at home are just as valid and meaningful—if not more so—than those made at a bustling zoo. When we do venture out for a museum trip or miniature golf, it’s a special event rather than just another Wednesday.
Every parent has their unique style. Some love fishing, others prefer knitting, and some might even embrace going commando. Just as we are diverse in our interests, we are also diverse in our parenting approaches. It’s perfectly fine to gravitate toward home-based activities over social outings. Regardless of how we choose to engage with our children, we’re bound to feel a hint of guilt about it.
If you’re looking for more insights on parenting and home insemination, check out this helpful resource on infertility options at Mount Sinai. And if you’re on your own journey, consider reputable online retailers like Make A Mom for at-home insemination kits. For further reading on parenting topics, don’t forget to explore one of our other blog posts.
Summary
Being a parent often comes with overwhelming choices, especially when it comes to participating in socially active outings. While some thrive in these environments, others find solace in home-based activities. It’s essential to recognize that every parenting style is valid and meaningful, regardless of societal expectations.
Leave a Reply