5 ways to be a fun mom
A couple of years ago, my daughter told me she was not a “fun mom.” Of course, the comment came when I was busy with something and it was not possible for me to stop what I was doing and play with it. But I admit it, the comment still hurt.
Of course, as I work at home, there will surely be times when you have to say no. There is work to be done and my children must learn that the world does not revolve completely around them. But are there times when I’m so consumed with my work that “no” becomes an automatic response to my children’s pleas to play? I need to relax? Have I forgotten how to become a fun mom?
As any work-from-home mom knows, balancing work and motherhood is not easy! But, at the end of the day, would you rather say that I finished every one of the twelve things on my to-do list? Or that I took the time to pay attention to my child’s needs?
Here are five ways you can do your job and still be considered a “fun mom.”
1. Take a break. When your child begs you to play with him, take a moment to consider whether he may be desperate to spend time with you. A child can only go so long without having a good time with his mother. Take a half-hour break to play a game, draw a picture, or walk around the block.
2. Set the timer. Tell your child that you will set the timer for one hour. When the timer goes off, it’s time to play. Next, you’ll set the timer for twenty minutes and play whatever he wants to play, be it matchbox cars, a board game, or a silly dance to your favorite CD. Do it a couple of times during the day. And stay true to your word: when you hear that “ding,” stop what you’re doing. Let him know that he is the priority.
3. Make lunchtime fun. Use the time to involve your child in making sandwiches and setting the table. Leave the paperwork in the office and focus on your child. Ask him questions about things he enjoys, like how he called his last WebKinz or what happened on his favorite TV show this morning.
4. Put it to work! We are not talking about child labor here. But, if possible, involve your child in his work. Of course, the job must be age appropriate. A three-year-old can put paper in the recycling bin. A five-year-old can seal envelopes. A ten-year-old can file a little. You can get more work done this way, or less, but getting your child involved will be priceless.
5. LAUGH! Take a moment to tell your daughter a silly joke. Relive a fun moment from the past. Have a five minute “tickle spree”. If hearing your child laugh doesn’t get you started, nothing will. In addition to the “fun” factor, laughing reduces stress and boosts the immune system – an added benefit for both of you!
Working at home and being a fun mom can go hand in hand. Everything is a question of balance. But when you find that the scale leans too far on the work side, your child may just remind you that it’s time to step away for a moment or two. And don’t forget to grab that FUNNY hat as you walk out the office door.
