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Spontaneity & Kids

Tuesday, July 24, 2018


One day a couple of weeks ago, I came home from the grocery store with the usual suspects: bread, cheese, fruit snacks. ;) But I had also picked up the most random item on a whim: a can of chocolate whipped cream. We never get that, so when the girls looked at it and asked what it was, I said "wanna see?", pulled the cap off and squirted a dollop of chocolatey goodness into their mouths. You should've seen their faces. 

If you're anything like me, you appreciate a little control over life's happenings -- especially when it comes to parenthood. I've realized the reason I crave control as a parent is because being a mom is the most important thing in the world to me, and I want to get it right. In fact, the most challenging part of parenthood for me has been accepting the truth that there is so much we can't control (sickness, random crying spells, tantrums... you get the point). Parenthood teaches people like me, day by day, to loosen the grip a bit on what should be and just embrace what is. 

It's all about balance, right? We need schedules and routine, but we also need fun. Especially when we're faced with a tough day, week, or season, I've found nothing breaks us all out of a funk quite like spontaneity, just going for it. What seems like something simple and not special to adults can be what kids remember most. 

A spur of the moment outing.

Running outside in the pouring rain.

A surprise treat.

Saying "yes" to something you'd usually say "no" to.

Dessert for breakfast.

A random dance party.

A water balloon or super soaker fight.

Racing outside when you hear the ice cream truck.

Summer in particular lends itself to spontaneity. It's easy to do a lot of these last minute things when there's no need to bundle, the weather makes it easy to get around, the days are longer, and the kids are home more. So here's your challenge (and mine): do something spontaneous this week, and let me know what you did and what your kids' reactions were! I'd love to hear. :)

6 comments:

  1. It's been so important for us to find balance. I enjoy routine but have always been a go with the flow person to an extent. Just like you said, my kids light up when we do something unexpected and I remember from my childhood those random moments are the ones that stick out the most. Such a great post and reminder. Sierra Beautifully Candid

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    1. Yes, I so agree! I think, especially, because our kids look at us as the gatekeepers, so to speak, they're especially surprised and delighted when we do something a little out of the norm. ;) Glad you enjoyed it and related! xo

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  2. You always find such great themes to explore, and do it so well, in your posts! Kids LOVE it when we turn things on their head and thrown rules and control out of the window (in small doses) - C and I used to do 'upside down' days where we started the day as we would end it, even meals included. OR - let him do something random like go for a walk in his PJs - it's the stuff memories are made of! :))

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    1. Aw, thanks Joanne! That's such a nice compliment. :) I completely agree and upside down day sounds genius! That's something I never would have thought of. Love it!

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  3. It really does lend itself to spontaneity. I need to find this chocolate whipped cream goodness. My girls would freak over it.

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    1. Oh my gosh, it was the most random impulse buy! I don't even really like whipped cream, lol. But the girls were obsessed!

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