You hear it everywhere. The words, a whimsical childhood. “I want to make my child’s life more whimsical.” But what does that actually look like? Social media sometimes makes you think it’s incredibly fancy outdoor areas, or expensive kitchens. However, the entire point of whimsy is that it’s simply adding something fun to your day. You can add whimsy to your child’s day without spending a single cent.
Celebrate holidays
Celebrate lots of different holidays. This doesn’t have to mean gifts, or even any toys. It can simply be a small celebration. Not only is it an incredible way to learn about different cultures and what they celebrate, but it can make your random Tuesday into something fun.
It can be something silly, like watching Star Wars on May 4th, since it’s Star Wars day, or something more meaningful like Disability Awareness Day. Of course, you don’t need to embrace every holiday each year, but if you glance at the calendar at the beginning of the month, you can pick a few favorites.
Make the mundane fun
There are so many things you do each and every day that can have a little whimsy. For example, when you need to run errands, make them into missions instead. “Going to the grocery store” sounds a lot less fun than, “Going on a mission for applesauce.” You can add this for walks, too. Instead of a regular walk, do a flower walk where you either find or pick different flowers. You can make a scavenger hunt list of things to find on your errand or walk, and even name things as you go, including any stray animals that you see.
Music is another great way to make mundane tasks fun. Pick a different song each night to brush your teeth to. Have a playlist for when you drive your kid to school. You can even have a wake up song, or a daily dance party.
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Go off schedule
This is one of my favorite ways to add whimsy. You can give your kids a fun surprise. Get them all ready for bed, but then take them out for ice cream. Or, pick them up from school, but instead of going straight home go out for a milkshake. These tiny changes in schedule and fun surprises can really make your kids excited and add whimsy.
Looking for some free ideas to go off schedule? Surprise your kid by taking them to a new park. Have a surprise play date. Find a local, free event and attend. It’s more about the element of surprise than the surprise itself.
Positive Affirmations
This is so easy and such a great way to boost confidence in a whimsical way. You simply give your child affirmations in unique ways. You can leave them notes in their lunchbox or on the bathroom mirror. You can tuck a handwritten note under their table, or even keep a joint journal.
One of my favorite versions of positive affirmations is talking about your kid behind their back on purpose. Things like, “Maya was so brave today,” or “Elliot said the funniest thing today.” They will think you’re sharing this in secret and not just to make them feel good, which really boosts confidence.
Lastly, you can say affirmations together in the mirror. “I’m brave.” “I’m smart.” “I’m beautiful.” It’s good to get specific too. “I love my curly hair.” “I have beautiful skin.” “I’m a good friend.”
Create traditions
There are so many amazing traditions you can create to add whimsy into your children’s life. You can have Friday night movies where you take turns picking out what movie you watch. You can try a different food on Saturday nights and learn all about the place where the dish came from. Or, it can even be as simple as Sunday morning cartoons. It’s just about having something that your family can look forward to.
A few that we’re planning to do:
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- A record each year with songs that our daughter liked best
- Christmas eve pajamas
- Dates with our kids where we each get alone time with them
- Annual volunteer work
Add a bit of magic to your life
Faking magic is a great way to add whimsy. Here are a few examples that I adore:
- Fairies with specific meanings, such as a garden fairy that helps plants grow or a pacifier fairy that helps your little one move on from pacifiers. This can fit into your life however you want it to.
- Lucky items. Maybe it’s red rocks or sea shells, but telling your child that you can make a wish depending on the item. You can either place the item yourself on walks and trips if it’s more unique, or pick something that you’ll see often, such as dandelions.
- Look for magic. See shapes in the clouds, look for feathers, collect twigs and make a fairy circle.
- Greet everything. Say good morning to the birds, or goodnight to the moon. Personify things for your children.
Give back
Teaching your kids to give back is a fantastic way to add whimsy. It can be simple, such as asking them to talk about what they are grateful for or something that made them happy that day. But you can dig deeper by volunteering, planting trees, donating or even leaving notes for other people or drawing pictures in chalk not just for yourself. Creating magic for other people is whimsical as well.
Whimsy isn’t defined one way or the other. It’s what works for your family, and makes your days a little bit more magical.
