Honestly, who has time to be a fun mom? We’re running around changing diapers, carting kids to practice, making sure meals are on the table, and everything else that comes with being a mom.
If you feel like you’re moving through the mechanics of parenting without adding the fun, I get it. But, being a “fun mom” doesn’t mean you have to plan trips, find them the perfect gifts, or have elaborate parties. It means adding in little fun moments to everyday life.
I am a firm believer that the little things in life actually end up being the big things. So, if adding fun seems daunting, here are a few easy ways to get started.
7 easy ways to be a fun mom
Music – Timmy Trumpet’s “Narco” is currently on repeat in our house. Play music in the car, on the way to practice, and while your kids do chores. Music adds instant fun. And dance parties are always a good idea.
Food – Do not Google snack dinners because they are overdone. Every so often, just let your kids eat whatever they want for dinner. It’s even better on the couch while watching America’s Funniest Home Videos. Candy is welcome. Popcorn dinners are also an easy way to add fun and not have to cook.
Play – Play with them. Stop what you’re doing for a few minutes and do whatever they’re doing. Go down the slide, crash some cars, color a picture, jump on the trampoline, or toss the football. Just play for a few minutes. It doesn’t have to be a four-hour Monopoly game to be fun.
Gas Stations – Give your kid three dollars and tell them they can buy whatever they want at a gas station. This is hilarious and they learn how to prioritize. Beware, this one could take a solid 20 minutes.
Boxes – These are essential in the fun-mom world. All large boxes should always be made into a fort that’s left in the living room for a week. Smaller boxes can be car garages or doll houses.
Clothes – It takes everything in my power to not control what my kids wear. I get it – how they look can be a reflection on parents but being a fun mom absolutely means this is not about me. Full white camo dri-fit with pink Big Bird socks? Sounds good. I have given up control except for weather-related clothing and a few other select events.
A Catch Room – This one could be extreme for some. Consider finding a place where your kid can toss a ball a few feet to another kid without the fear of breaking something.
A basement room, their bedroom, or the garage can all be indoor places they can let their guard down. This is especially handy in the winter.
The basement of our 1950s ranch has old everything for this reason. They play soccer, football, have Nerf battles, and there’s some kind of “lab” full slime bottles I don’t ask questions about. They, and their friends, know this is a place they can be kids and nobody will yell at them when pink yogurt ends up on the old couch.
I realize the above is extreme and yes, it’s annoying. But, they won’t live in my house forever and I have a living room that can look pretty.
Fall fun – If you need even more ideas for fun and things to do in Des Moines, check out the Fall Bucket List 2022.
