Experts will agree that kids need routine, but as a mom, I’ll tell you that sometimes it’s good to spice up our daily routine.
A LITTLE BIT OF MADNESS
Between school, work, and homework, you’ll agree, it takes a fair amount of discipline—and time, too. Sometimes we almost forget to laugh, and I find my role as a parent a bit thankless at times; the tension is all too often palpable. I like to add a little lightheartedness to the routine—sometimes under Dad’s puzzled gaze—to keep the bond strong with my kids… and also, let’s be honest, to entertain myself!
That’s how our “Crazy Tuesdays” were born! Every other Tuesday, we break out funny wigs, big glasses (thanks, Dollarama!), superhero capes (because our princess dresses have gotten too small), hats, ties, bow ties, and all the trimmings. Hello, creativity. We have a blast! No, looking silly doesn’t kill you. I’d even go so far as to say it helps with discipline. We sing multiplication tables along with the machine, microphone in hand; we form concave or convex triangles with our legs; we speak in the simple future tense or do dictations on windows—even car windows (with washable crayons, of course!). Strangely enough, the character with the pink wig and big glasses only has to ask the kids once to wash their hands and set the table. I’ve sort of found my magic wand. On these crazy Tuesdays, we come alive again over a good family dinner.
Even on our plates
In fact, even dinner is a bit crazy—much to the kids’ delight. Examples of “crazy” menus? A “Chinese-style shepherd’s pie”—that’s shepherd’s pie turned upside down, with corn on top of the potatoes—or a shepherd’s pie with edamame and green peas instead of the traditional corn. Other times, we eat dessert first. Sometimes I serve water in wine glasses, or we have a picnic on the living room floor. Last-minute guests might be surprised, I’ll admit, but I think they’d have a good laugh with us.
BETTER COLLABORATION
The icing on the cake… is that in this setting—with my pink wig, or my tuque and ski goggles right in the middle of May—I can ask my daughters to do just about anything! Apparently, it helps with verb conjugation, picking up toys, and keeping everyone in a good mood.
The moral of this story
Stepping outside your usual routine, having fun, and shaking things up is good for the whole family!
How about you—how do you lighten up your daily life?