On Friday, I twittered a confession that I really do not like playdoh.
I had three responses to this confession on Facebook.
Two were from moms who completely understood my sentiments.
I completely agree Monica. It seems like everytime we have it out, I find it stuck EVERRYWHERE in tiny pieces for days!
and
I hear you. I really dislike the mess of play-doh too. We don’t keep it at home… the kids get enough of it in their awesome Sunday School classes and in the childcare during Bible Study – why would I bother having it at home too? LOL!
One was from a friend that doesn’t yet have children and her response was
“WHAT????? play-doh is AWESOME!!!!”
And that is a great illustration of my dilemma.
I want to be a good, creative, fun mom.
My kids LOVE playdoh. In fact, Will was the one that pulled it out on Friday begging to play.
But I am also a very practical mom.
Playdoh makes a mess, especially if it’s not properly cared for. It comes off in little pieces and can be found all over the floor for days after it is played with. Or I have to do a massive vaccuming job to take care of the mess as soon as the creative play is over.
But some days, I allow my desire to be the fun, creative mom to win over my practical side.
Friday was one of those days.
And because I gave in and allowed my children to just have fun without worrying and nagging them about the mess, I have a treasured memory.
EA, who is not quite as creative as her sister, made a beautiful green turtle out of her playdoh.
And she was so very proud to show off her creation!
If you also struggle with a desire to be a fun, creative, mom verses a desire to be practical and have clean floor, my challenge to you would be to give in sometimes and just have fun! It can be so worth it!!!
Suzanne says
Yeah – letting out the fun/relaxed/crazy mommy happens much more often than it used it when I only had one kid! I actually let them play with more than one set of toys at a time now – mixing and being creative with items that don’t actually go with that set – trying to relinquish some of my OCD habits LOL.
Stephanie says
Thank you for posting this! I do struggle with wanting to let the girls go, and hating the mess. It is also hard here because we simply do not have a space for them to go nuts. That coupled with the trouble I have had finding appropriate supples has crippled our creativity. I meant to buy some paints this summer, but ran out of time. We do have sticker faom pieces that they ADORE. After this post, I feel challenged (in a positive way) to find ways for the girls to let loose. And I’ll have extra chances this week as the teachers are on strike on Thursday.
LifeatTheCircus says
LOVE it! Way to go Mommy. Finding that balance is so important…. we don’t get it right every day, but hurray for days when we do!
Sarah says
we love playdough. But I only buy the itty bitty containers and then they each get two or three colors and when they are finished (up to an hour later) it goes in the trash because it is such a muddle of colors. We play at the kitchen table so I just let it dry for an hour or so and then it’s easy to sweep up – it’s harder to clean up the “tools” they use to play with it, but I love it for its ability to have them absorbed in something just like painting.