When I transitioned into motherhood, I took on numerous roles—none of which I was formally prepared for. Each day presents a new learning experience as I navigate through the myriad tasks that come with parenting. Some roles, like Memory Keeper and Cuddle Coordinator, are delightful. However, others can be quite challenging, such as Vomit Collector or Diaper Inspector. Thankfully, my children have no frame of reference for what a “normal” parent might be like, or they might be tempted to dismiss me for my perceived shortcomings.
I may not excel as a cook, but surprisingly, I have a knack for hairstyling, despite the tears from my young clients. My search-and-rescue skills deserve recognition, yet I struggle to fulfill my duties as a Chauffeur on time. Out of all the roles I’ve assumed, one remains firmly off my list: Entertainer. Sure, I can enthusiastically read children’s books with amusing accents or bust a move during our family dance sessions, but I refuse to be their endless source of amusement. The truth is, I’m not skilled at putting on a façade, nor do I want to be.
If I attempted to be their perpetual entertainer, I would constantly be playing a role that feels unnatural to me. For instance, I can endure assembling a puzzle with my five-year-old for about 30 minutes before the urge to toss the pieces out the window overwhelms me. Similarly, I can feign being a kitten for a mere 20 seconds before boredom takes over, and my feline alter ego just wants to nap.
I’m happy to take my kids on a hike, but I cannot immerse myself in their elaborate fantasy games of trolls and wizards the entire time. My inability to stay in character often leads to discontent among my little directors, who are less than pleased with my improvisational skills.
I am the type of mom who packs up bikes and sandwiches for outdoor adventures. I will assist in building a fort, but playing in it is not part of my agenda. I’ll happily provide Play-Doh supplies and encourage them to use whatever kitchen tools they wish, but I prefer to sit back and let them take charge. I’ll even bring home large cardboard boxes and markers, but constructing a spaceship won’t be on my to-do list.
I believe that boredom serves a vital purpose in child development. It’s during these quiet moments that creativity can flourish. Sometimes, it inspires them to craft magnificent tiaras from toilet paper rolls; other times, it nudges them toward less advisable activities, like hanging off the deck—an important lesson in cause and effect, nonetheless.
If my children rely solely on me for entertainment, they will miss the chance to cultivate their own creativity and resourcefulness. I would feel terrible depriving them of the joy I found in discovering my own fun. Allowing them to experience boredom is essential for their growth.
Ultimately, I focus on preparing them to thrive as adults, shaping their character through their childhood experiences. I want them to be innovative thinkers who challenge norms and feel confident sharing their ideas. Therefore, while I embrace my various roles as a mother, being their entertainer is not one of them. However, I am certainly committed to being a Futures Analyst in their lives.
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In summary, while I take my role as a mother seriously, I won’t be the one to entertain my kids endlessly. Instead, I aim to foster their independence, creativity, and resilience, preparing them for a successful future.
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