First up, change the meaning of what a ‘successful’ activity is to you.

Measure success only in terms of the time your child spends on an activity (the longer the better) and even more importantly, the fun they have.

For instance… instead of taking away a project when you think they are finished (when it looks perfectly done) — try leaving it out if your child is still interested. Even if it gets destroyed.

Give it a try! Set out supplies that you feel are ‘safe’ for your child to use without your guidance. And just see what happens. Items to maybe set out:

• paint
• paintbrushes
• sponges
• paper
• construction paper
• scissors
• stickers
• markers and crayons
• pom poms
• glue

Download the “Creation Station” Sheet to create your own.

Give it your all not to say ‘That looks so good’… instead, focus on what they’re doing. Try phrases like:

• “Tell me what you’re doing.”
• “I’ve never seen pom poms used like that before! How creative!”
• “Do you want me to help you?”
• “I can’t wait for you to tell me all about this!”

Be Okay with the Mess

Have you ever heard the saying “Excuse the mess but the children are making memories”? That’s exactly why this is important.

1. Children love it. I think that’s reason enough and the sole reason why I allow it in my house.
2. Exploring with their senses. In every sense!
3. It’ll create memories that kids are sure to remember. Remember that one time when Mom let us…..?

If the daunting task of cleaning up stops you in your tracks — Get the kids involved in cleanup!

What can they do to help?

My kids love the vacuum so they get to suck up spilled messes all the time. Wash off toys in the sink, and they’ll just think its part of the fun! If you’re outside, a hose does wonders!

On days when you can’t cope with cleaning up a mess, try a classic you love instead. Just don’t be afraid of the mess on other days.

Everything can be cleaned up. Bodies can be washed off, floors can be mopped and clothes can be laundered… and if not… my favorite saying is that stains are memories of the fun we had.

Give yourself a break

There’s going to be days when activities are the last thing on your mind… so be it.

Cut yourself some slack.

You’re not going to stop being an amazing parent just because you didn’t do an activity today. Or yesterday. Or tomorrow. But when you’re ready again, just start and do one.

There’s no reason to hold a looming goal over your head that stops you in your tracks. Instead… make your goal to just start and do an activity today.

Not do everything

It’s okay to say no to things. This has been amazingly freeing for me the last couple of years. Especially as the kids are getting older.

I know so many parents that are running from place to place to get everywhere that they need to be, that they never actually spend any time doing what they love.

Over the years, I’ve said no to many things that don’t really matter to me but I felt I should do. But should doesn’t mean it’s best for me and my family. Should means what it looks like from the outside. And what does that matter, really?

This is especially important leading into the holiday season now. Should you decorate the entire house? Should you do Elf on the Shelf? Should you attend every family Christmas? Should you see Santa 6 times? Should you do a Christmas countdown?

Only if they’re important to you and your family.

Download the “What’s Important to Our Family” Sheet