Taking charge. Finding joy.

The activities we do with J are usually spontaneous and triggered by her interest, but we are running out of ideas. We've been doing messy play (playdough and cornflour mixture) and doodling for a while now. That's about it from our momma-brains.

J seems to be getting bored of the activities because there came a day where watering the plants, sweeping the floor, playdough play, jumping around the house, reading and painting wasn't enough for her. Even I feel tired just typing this but the tot was full of energy even after the series of activities. 

We needed new ways and other forms of play and craft to stimulate her. 

maybe

we will have to structure her learning a little, just so that I can plan ahead and we are not just stuck with playdough all the time.

I'm not talking about formal learning. We are all for learning through experiences because I found that that's the best way J learns. Having complementary activities that tie in with our outings would be a win-win since I can plan ahead and we can attempt a variety of activities and play, and J could also take the opportunity to revisit what she has seen/ experienced. Instead of going by concepts and doing a new one weekly, I plan to go by themes and take a longer time, perhaps fortnightly or monthly. It will flexible and I might still throw in some random activities in between.

The past few days have been spent searching and pinning for inspirations, as well as preparing busy bags and folder for days we dine out. I also visited the library with a purpose for the first time. It has always been "pick out whatever you like" but this time, I was on the lookout for books of a specific theme and it was refreshing. As I print and laminate the playdough mats (for our busy folder), I discovered that I really enjoyed doing them. And it's as though I've found purpose in what I'm doing. I haven't felt that for a long time since I quit. 

Being more intentional and taking charge of J's learning turned out to be invigorating and for the first time in a long time, I found joy in what I do. Other than parenting J, of course. She's my number 1 source of sunshine but I needed to feel more empowered. Well, I do now! 

I'm slowly starting my first few themed activities and preparing for an aquarium visit by the end of this month. Judging by the adrenaline rush I get just thinking and prepping for it, I'm feeling hopeful that the enthusiasm would last. Fingers crossed!