Pause Before You Correct (Series): Let Them Be Silly
Sep 08, 2025As parents, it’s easy to feel the pressure of time. We’re rushing through dinner prep, bedtime routines, or just trying to get out the door on time — and our kids decide now is the perfect moment to balance bananas on their head, sing a nonsense song, or build a tower that’s about to topple.
Our instinct? To shut it down. “Stop being silly.” “Focus.” “Not now.”
But here’s the truth:
Silliness, playfulness, and creativity aren’t distractions — they’re important parts of childhood. They build imagination, problem-solving, resilience, and joy.
When we constantly correct or rush kids through these moments, we send the message that fun is “wrong” or unwelcome. Over time, kids may feel like they’re too much, or that their playful side is something to hide.
Instead, try pausing. Watch the joy on your child’s face when they’re being goofy or imaginative. Notice the way they problem-solve through play, even if it’s messy or inefficient. These are the moments that spark confidence, curiosity, and connection.
✨ Of course, boundaries still matter. If you really do need to get out the door, you can smile, gently guide them along, and redirect without the sighs or sharp words. Letting kids be silly doesn’t mean you ignore what needs to get done — it just means you handle it with patience and kindness. Sometimes it’s about sighing in your head instead of out loud.
🌱 So next time your child is being silly, take a breath. Smile. Maybe even join in for a second. The dishes can wait — but these moments of joy are fleeting and precious.
✨ Parenting isn’t about perfection — it’s about presence. Slow down, let them be silly, and enjoy the magic of watching them grow.
👉 This is Post 1 in the Pause Before You Correct series. Stay tuned for the next post: Not Everything Needs Fixing.
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