Magic Maker

In our little family I'm usually the disciplinarian. Hubs is more lenient; I tend to lay down the law. Maybe because I had little guidance or structure as a kid, I like to create routines and provide lots of support for my littles. Don't get me wrong, I'm all about independent play for my girls. But I’m strict at times about indulgences like chemical-laden candy and too much trash TV. In short, as Liv says, I “always say no.”

But sometimes I do bring the fun. Aside from aiming to say yes more, I'm trying to create some magic for my kiddos. I recognize that my job as a parent can also include the very important KPI of creating special memories. Call me CMO, if you will: Chief Magic Officer. I still think back to some magical moments from my childhood including an event at my preschool when hundreds of balloons were released into the periwinkle sky. (I know- this wouldn't fly in the environmentally conscious 2020's.) I also remember reading in Yes Please about Amy Poehler taking her pajamaed sons "moon hunting," equipped with flashlights and lunar candy (M&M's). There's no doubt Poehler's sons will remember making moon wishes with their mom for years to come. Not every moment can be enchanting, but why not create some crazy special memories?

Last holiday season we took the girls in their PJs, to-go cups of hot cocoa in their hands, to drive around New Canaan and look at Christmas lights. They were ooh-ing and ahh-ing the whole time. This year we took them to light the big Menorah in town; Liv got to flip the eight switches on the last night of Hanukkah. We also took the kids to a Nutcracker Tea Party, complete with a live performance and unlimited treats. (I did not limit sugar on that day ;)

I'll never forget when Liv was first born and we were at the hospital, meeting a doctor who reminded me of Rob Reiner and who dropped Reiner-esque wisdom on his way out: "Love 'em, feed 'em, send' em to college." So nonchalant. So comforting. And now I would add: give 'em some magic.

AES, CMO