If you’re a do-it-all Mom, you are already a planner. You plan parties, you plan dinners, you plan time for teaching and learning, you are as focused on intellect as image, and you probably even plan your planning.
Do you plan time to play? That is, do you plan time that isn’t… planned?
Because that might be the one thing you’re not planning enough of with your child. In a hectic multi-tasking overachieving world, planning is paramount. And great moms are great planners. But there is also a problem when you develop a fear of unplanned time. Have you ever panicked because you faced a couple of hours with nothing planned? Didn’t know how you’d pass the time with your child? Then it might be time to give yourself a crash course in spontaneity.
Play time is important. And while it is excellent to plan time to play that’s educational, or offers time to socialize with other parents and children, there’s also value in having time together that is simply time together. Quality time doesn’t have to have an itinerary. After all, one of the reasons you plan so much is to facilitate learning and development and socialization–so that your child learns that time is a valuable resource. And the most valuable time of all is free time.
When was the last time you planned nothing?
Maybe the next time you see that rare event–your calendar shows a few blank hours in a row–take a moment and consider not filling those empty hours with plans. Just to see what happens. Give yourself a chance to be a great mom without planning. You might be surprised when you realize how spontaneous and creative you can be when you give yourself a chance to play it by ear. Instead of scheduling a class or activity, pencil in the word “play.” The greatest moms know playing and planning.