Me, Jo – the Silly Mommy
This fellow is wise enough to play the Fool,
And to do that well craves a kind of wit.
He must observe their mood on whom he jests,
The quality of persons, and the time,
And, like the haggard, check at every feather
That comes before his eye. This is a practice
As full of labor as a wise man’s art:
For folly that he wisely shows is fit;
But wise men, folly-fall’n, quite taint their wit.
– William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night
Shakespeare certainly was not imparting parental knowledge or advice in the Twelfth Night, but I believe his words are universally true when it comes to parenting. Having a sense of humor and being light-hearted are important traits to have as a parent (also generally as a person). I have practised the art of playing this wise foolish “fellow” at critical parenting moments, and accordingly, have frequently been told off with a “You, Silly Mommy!”.
“Playing the Fool” is often a wise weapon of choice when it comes to combating the challenges of raising, nurturing and teaching 2 little boy – who are full of life, energy and abundant curiosity.
Making jokes, faces, silly sounds, mimicking behavior, imitating voices, extracting giggles & laughter and generally being funny & silly – have all served us well. This is both in playing with the boys as well as in preempting and handling tantrums, fights, arguments, disagreements!!! Turning to silliness & humor can work really well in diffusing tension (especially between siblings); creating a diversion or distraction; lightening the mood; reducing tears; and making things otherwise fun & whimsical.
It doesn’t mean it works every time, but when it does, the boys will certainly remind me – “You, Silly Mommy!”
It is fitting to also mention that whilst I may think myself wise on occasion, I have also time and again been played by the boys and made to look like a fool myself!!
I aim to share my experiences as I charter through the adventures, milestones and successes of being the wise Silly Mommy, but I have an inkling that these pages would contain more of how I’ve been made a fool, defeated by my cheeky boys, and become just a plain old Silly Mommy!
You Silly Mommy! 