Last Minute Moms…We Are Enough!

Today I am feeling compelled to encourage my fellow “last minute” moms. You know us as the ones always scrambling, always a bit frazzled, and rarely completely done up head to toe (I personally pick one thing whether it be “real” clothes, make-up on, hair done, etc.).

I know I have thousands of things pinned on Pinterest collecting dust. However, I do know that even when I don’t have great activities planned out or fabulous meals on the table, my kids are for the most part HAPPY.

Ellie’s new thing is to ask me each morning, “What are we doing today?” Usually I have one or two things to tell her, but after each activity it is always the same question: “What’s next?” I often feel bad or guilty that I don’t have something planned and ready to go in the afternoon. While there is nothing wrong with being a planned, Pinterest-worthy mom, (in fact, I salute you!) there is also nothing wrong with leaving room to be creative and come up with things on the fly.

Most of our activities stem from some interests the kids have that day or week. I whipped up our Mailbox activity one day that Ellie was curious and interested in mail. Yesterday we were putting together our new stroller and my husband turned the box into a spaceship that we filled with toys and then let the kids sit inside the box and color. Brilliant!

I think time that isn’t planned is great for the kids’ creativity too. Ellie will create elaborate tea parties or trips to the zoo all on her own. I’m having a lot of fun seeing what she can imagine.

In closing, I just wanted to encourage you that it is enough to just be present with your kids. Even if we just sit with them and watch a show. Letting them know that we love them and are near them is enough! One day we will get to all those amazing pins on Pinterest. Maybe one day we will even make our snack foods from scratch. But if today isn’t that day, throw a few pouches and fruit snacks in your diaper bag before you head out the door and put a smile on your face because YOU ARE ENOUGH!!

(And if you do want an excellent last minute craft. Find a large box and some crayons. Put your kids in the box with the crayons and voila! fun activity with little to no clean-up)