I still move the elf and that's ok!

Why Does Childhood Go So Fast?

Childhood is fleeting and time is a thief. I can't tell you how many times I've heard, read, and typed these phrases myself while scrolling or posting pictures of my kids and others. We are blessed with the years we have with them and the memories created.

Where is Their Innocence?

In today's world is seems like technology strips away at those years even faster than previous generations. Society and social media and constant communication and information make it almost impossible for children to retain innocence.

No matter how much we want to preserve the innocence of our children, we as parents, realize sometimes that's impossible.

But, sometimes I guess we get lucky, and our kids are able to retain their own levels of innocence that protects their little hearts.

I still move the elf!

My kids are 12 and 15, and I still move the elf. I'm not very good at it, as oftentimes, he gets "stuck" or "sick" or the weather is too "poor" for him to make it back to the north pole every night... but on those occasions I am reminded by my son that he didn't move.

We celebrate Christmas for the birth of Christ and don't do yearly trips to see Santa, yet the joy of giving and receiving has always been one of the best times of year for our family. The elf tradition simply added another layer of fun.

I can't say for sure how much true belief they have, but last night at a hockey game where Santa and Mrs. Claus attended, my son did not need to go see Santa as he said, "he knew he wasn't the real one," and held my hand a little tighter as we walked. Yes, he still holds my hand...

There are Still Good Kids Everywhere!

I know my kids are not rare. Good kids are not rare. I get to interact with so many good kids at school and in my home when my kids invite over their friends. My 15-year-old can spend an entire day with a friend and all of us, and neither one of them is on their phone. They simply enjoy hanging out together and interacting with us. 

Doubt there is any magic ingredient or recipe we followed to have kids we continue to be proud of; I just think that there is a little kid in every kid, and we have to at least try to not let society steal it from them too fast.

I'm sure there is much more discussion, debate, worry, anxiety, and fears that all mothers and parents face. I could go on about the days with shouting matches, smart-ass comments, disobedience, and such, but today I chose to focus on a positive experience, as it was what filled my heart when I went to sleep last night. 

And for that I was thankful.

Parenting Fails 101: Mythical and Magical Creatures

Leprechaun Loser

Empty boxes, stacked across the kitchen floor, are strewn with blankets and towels, and I believe one of my sweaters. They are filled with candy and gold painted rocks intended to deceivingly trap an unknowing leprechaun.

The disappointed look on my son's face in the morning when he discovers that the leprechaun has not wreaked havoc in the house to his expectation instantly tells me I have once again failed at bringing mythical creatures to life in the house.

Tooth Fairy Forgiveness

My daughter who lost her tooth in the morning before dashing out to the bus, inserts newly excavated tooth into a sandwich baggy and deposits it somewhere in the kitchen. The following morning she remarks how the tooth fairy never came and brought her cash.

We must not have left her a note. We must not have placed the tooth under your pillow. She must be running low on cash! The plethora of reasons for the pathetic excuse of a fairy that she is, come spilling out of my mouth at rapid speed. An immediate plan for the next night is quickly put into place.

Elf on the Shelf, Oh Sh*t

And who doesn't know the magical morning moments of realization that nobody moved the Elf to his new household lodging and then is faced with two options: sneak around the house like a stealthy ninja warrior performing acrobatics or spin a believable tale of bad snowstorms at the North Pole, of dirty room reporting, and thanks to 2020, in need of quarantine time!

Self Sabotage and Auntie's Antics

We as parents need to ask ourselves, why? Why do we see the story books and stuffed creatures and somehow believe that starting cute little traditions will provide joyful memories and never-ending adventures! 

What about the family's favorite aunt who surprises everyone at the holidays with a friend, pet, or outfit change for our magical or mythical creature?!

Band of Parents

Aren't we as parents supposed to stick together and support one another? Time to take back our homes and stop encouraging the propaganda and riotous shenanigans of mythical creatures in the wee hours of the night.

Time for fully rested nights of sleep - free of panic and fear of failure and forgetfulness! Band of parents - unite!