When I became a parent, I took on numerous roles, none of which came with a manual. I’ve had to adapt and learn as we navigate this journey together. Some roles are delightful, like Chief Memory Maker and Cuddle Supervisor, while others are less glamorous, such as Spill Cleaner and Diaper Inspector. Fortunately for me, my kids have no frame of reference to compare my performance, or they might consider me underqualified.
While my culinary skills are average at best, I’ve surprisingly excelled as a Hair Stylist—even if my clients tend to shed a few tears during the process. I could probably earn accolades for my efforts to find lost toys, but punctuality as a Driver often eludes me.
Entertainment is Not My Role
Among all these titles, being an Entertainer is not one of them. Sure, I can read a story with amusing voices or bust a move during our family dance parties, but I refuse to be my children’s constant source of amusement. I simply can’t keep up the charade.
I have no interest in mastering the art of perpetual entertainment. Faking enthusiasm for their activities would be exhausting. I can tolerate a puzzle session with my five-year-old for about half an hour before I’m ready to toss it out the window. Pretending to be a playful kitten lasts a mere 20 seconds before I’m too bored and just want to take a nap myself.
I’m the parent who will gladly pack up bikes and lunches for an outing. I’ll help them build a fort, but don’t expect me to join in the fun. I’ll set out supplies for Play-Doh and encourage them to explore, but I’d rather not be involved. I can deliver large cardboard boxes and markers for creativity, but I won’t be constructing that rocket ship with them.
The Value of Boredom
I believe in the value of boredom wholeheartedly. It’s in those quiet moments that creativity can flourish. Sometimes, it inspires brilliant ideas like making crowns from toilet paper rolls. Other times, it leads to risky adventures like hanging off the deck, but lessons in cause and effect are crucial too.
If my kids rely solely on me for entertainment, they won’t learn how to create their own joy. I would feel terrible if they missed out on discovering how to have fun independently. It would be unfair to rob them of the chance to appreciate the beauty of boredom, so I won’t do it.
Preparing for Adulthood
My priority is to prepare my children for adulthood. I want them to grow into interesting and creative individuals who challenge the status quo and feel confident expressing their unique ideas. So, while I embrace many roles as a parent, being their entertainer isn’t one of them. However, I’m fully committed to being their Future Analyst.
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Conclusion
In summary, my role as a parent encompasses many responsibilities, but entertaining my kids is not one of them. I believe in fostering their independence and creativity by allowing them to navigate boredom. As they grow, I want them to develop the skills to create their own fun and become confident individuals in the world.