Weekends are a precious time to connect and create memories with my children, and I'm always looking for ways to make the most of them. We try to get outdoors whenever possible. When the weather keeps us in, we get creative with arts and crafts - painting, puzzles, building stuffs.
Recently, we got into bear painting.
Preparing for such an activity can be an adventure in itself, especially when multiple paint bottles are involved!
As we painted, I found myself wanting to keep things "in order" – the colours arranged neatly, following a specific painting sequence, and gently guiding my younger child away from "painting the walls."
But then, amidst the slight chaos, I realized some valuable lessons were unfolding:
🎨 Letting Go of the Mess
My son's enthusiasm for exploration at his age sometimes results in paint-streaked adventures on the walls and furniture. While the initial instinct is to clean up immediately, I'm learning that the mess can wait.
🎨 Embracing Freedom in Creativity
During our painting session, my daughter suddenly declared, "Every child is an artist!" – a message I noticed displayed on her classroom wall. This reminder served as a perfect reset button, reminding us that there are no wrong colours, shapes, or directions when it comes to creativity.
🎨The Power of Presence
It took me a while to notice that the goal wasn't to create a perfectly painted bear, but to be fully present in that moment with my children. The finished product didn't matter nearly as much as the laughter, exploration, and connection we shared.
These activities may seem time-consuming, and with children’s short attention spans, they often don't last long. I sometimes find myself putting off being present until they lose interest, and then the moment is gone. It's a constant practice for me to refocus on our conversations and activities, especially when I hear myself saying "Wait."
These moments of messy creativity and joy are what I want to hold onto, not a perfectly painted bear. Although, if we manage to create a masterpiece along the way, that's a bonus.
After all, the days may feel long, but the years truly do fly by.
I'm curious to hear from other parents – what are some ways you connect with your children and create lasting memories?
#parenting #makingmemories #weekendfun
Executive Leader | Product & Strategy |Data Management | Data Governance | Digital Experience | Board Member
1wAwesome product. Love this