You’re Just As Fun As Any Other Mom… Or Are You?

home insemination Kit

You know how it goes: in the world of parenting, moms often feel like the underappreciated sidekicks. Dad gets the title of “fun parent,” the one who effortlessly engages in all the tickle fights and silly games, while I’m left picking up the pieces—or in my case, the shattered vase. I even jokingly call my partner “Daddy Fun” with just the right amount of sarcasm to drive the point home.

“It’s not fair!” I lament. “I’m the one organizing meals, playdates, and appointments to ensure our kids are happy, while you swoop in with your ridiculous jokes and piggyback rides. Ugh, Daddy Fun.” In return, he affectionately dubs me “The Drill Sergeant.”

At first, this made me defensive. I’d channel my inner Jack Nicholson, reminding him that we use polite words and that my responsibilities are beyond his comprehension. “You need me on that wall,” I’d say. “I don’t have the time to explain myself to someone who plays under the very freedom I create.”

But the other day, as I was once again “encouraging” the kids to clean up after dinner, my partner pointed out, “This is what they will remember about you. Just barking orders.” Ouch! Was that really all they’d take away from my parenting? That thought stung.

It’s not like I don’t have my fun moments with the kids. I surprise them with outings, movie nights, and even a scavenger hunt for my oldest’s birthday just the other day. But somehow, all my daily mom duties overshadow those joyous moments. Am I really just as fun as the next mom?

A few days ago, a younger friend of mine was sharing her plans for the last day of school. She was all set to greet her kids with water balloons and silly string as they left the school. “Wow, that sounds amazing!” I said, but inside, I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by the effort she’d put into it. I could barely manage to figure out dinner most nights!

I confided in another friend about how I’d love to be that fun mom, but my endless responsibilities leave no room for those magical moments. “I’m just not cut out for that,” she agreed. Those Pinterest-worthy ideas, like cutting sandwiches into star shapes or pulling off an impromptu “Yes Day,” felt like an impossible addition to my to-do list.

Instead, I planned to mark my kids’ last day of school by simply arriving on time to pick them up. If they had a lot of stuff, I’d help carry it. Then that fun mom sent me a text: “MEET US AT THE FIELD ON THE SIDE OF THE SCHOOL. BRING WATER GUNS.”

Water guns? That sounded doable! So, when the bell rang and the twins threw their bags at me, I lied and said my car was parked in another lot. We headed to the field, where I joined a bunch of other kids and moms in a water fight. And let me tell you, it was every bit as fun as it sounds! All it took was a little change in perspective.

As summer kicks off, I wonder if I can keep the fun rolling. Sure, there are chores and work, plus the added challenge of keeping the kids from turning on each other. Not every day can be a blast, but maybe they don’t have to be all serious. I’ve been taking this parenting gig too seriously, which is absurd since I can’t be fired. It might just be time for this Drill Sergeant to ease up a bit.

By injecting some spontaneity, laughter, and joy, maybe my kids will start seeing me as Mommy Fun. And if the house gets messy or we have ice cream for dinner, who cares? Certainly not my kids or my partner. After all, making memories is far more important than a spotless home. I might just need to get one of those signs I’ve seen: “Please excuse the mess; we are busy making memories.”

So here’s to embracing the fun side of parenting, one water balloon at a time!

Summary

This article reflects on the struggle many moms face in balancing their responsibilities with the desire to be seen as fun and engaging. It shares a personal journey of overcoming the “Drill Sergeant” stereotype by embracing spontaneity and joy in parenting, ultimately realizing that creating memories is more important than maintaining a perfect home.