Section 1.1: A Glimpse into the Past

Before my children came along, I often found myself embarking on impromptu adventures. My husband, a pilot, would frequently invite me to join him on his flights. I would squeeze into the cockpit jumpseat, diving into a good book without a care in the world.

"Want to come with me to Palma de Mallorca tomorrow morning? We need to leave at 3 a.m.," he'd ask.

My response? "Absolutely!"

Now, with kids in tow, such spur-of-the-moment escapades have become rare.

Subsection 1.1.1: The New Norm

Photo by Daniel K Cheung on Unsplash

Today, every outing requires extensive planning. I cherish my children and wouldn’t change anything about them, yet their needs often mean a more organized approach. Leaving home sometimes feels akin to preparing for major surgery!

Admittedly, as they grow (now 4 and 5 years old), we pack a lot less. Nonetheless, outings still demand a meticulous checklist:

• Spare clothes
• An abundance of snacks and drinks
• Books
• Toys
• Stuffed animals
• Vitamins (for overnight stays)

Has anyone else found this to be true?

Section 1.2: Rekindling Spontaneity with Kids

Yes, it’s entirely feasible to embrace spontaneity, even with young children around.

“The best things in life are spontaneous because then they are sincere.” — Effie Adelaide Rowlands

One way to foster spontaneity is by involving your children. Their imaginative minds can turn any ordinary day into an adventure. Here are some activities we've introduced to reignite that spontaneous spark:

• Wake up and embark on a spontaneous road trip—no plan needed. Just last week, my daughter and I hopped on a last-minute 2-hour train ride, and it was a blast!
• Ask your kids what they would like to do that day and dive right in (within reason, of course).
• Surprise them with an unexpected outing and delight in their excitement for the adventure you planned.
• Travel together, even if it requires preparation. They will learn to embrace spontaneity, making it easier for you to add excitement to your life.
• Bake something on a whim. Let it be a free-for-all where you can create or explore together.

For children, the specifics matter less than the experience itself. By teaching them about spontaneity, you can also rekindle that joy in your life.

What strategies do you use to keep the spirit of spontaneity alive with your kids?

Key Message: Parenthood transforms how we experience spontaneity, but it doesn’t extinguish it. Involve your children in spontaneous activities or let them take the lead. Show them the joy of living without a detailed plan.

Thank you for taking the time to read this piece! I hope it inspires you to embrace spontaneity with your little ones.

Have a wonderful day!