Open Ended Painting - The Messy Version

My boys love painting and I love to let them paint, with anything and everything. I prefer doing open ended art with them than craft work as I like how different the artwork turns out from them. And there’s no right and wrong or very obvious comparison as to who did a better job. I’m extremely sensitive since they are of the same age and jealousy issue can be a big problem. They are constantly subjected to comparison in school, from strangers, relatives and friends. Who is smarter? Who is more independent? Who eats more?

Anyway, back to the activity, on this day, I was adventurous enough to take out all my paint, possible tools that they can use to paint such as sponge, squeeze bottles, pipe cleaners, pom poms, etc and let them do whatever they want with it. I was feeling the pinch with the amount of paint (esp when it’s Crayola) they used at the end but I guess the freedom of expression that they get to experience should be worth it.

The boys enjoyed themselves but I had a major double meltdown towards the end as the paper gave way.

I still like the whole experience but I will only attempt this again until they (and I) forget how upset they were at the end. Until I find a thicker paper that can withstand their artistic strokes and also cheaper paint.

The boys totally engrossed in their play.

Paper + Glue + Beans = 45 mins of peace

We are not quite done with the terrible twos x2 phase though the boys are turning 3 years old in about 3 months time. I made a very brave decision to transit them to a big bed as they are outgrowing their baby cots and with the allergy cough that I suspect the bed to the culprit, we purchased 2 car beds for them. It had been a nightmare . It’s been 1 month and I’m happy to say that they are slowly adjusting to their new beds though they still ask for their old beds every now and then.

It’s mostly child led activities in the house these days since they have their old favorites like Marble Painting and Car Painting. It’s not an uncommon sight to see them with their cars and paint at 7am in the morning still in their PJs.

Back to the activity, on this day, Y suddenly ask for glue. “Glue?! What do you want to glue?” I asked. And all that came after that was whining “I want Glue! I want Glue!”. Ok, they want Glue and I’ve got to find them something to glue. In the kitchen I go and out came some beans and so here are my boys totally focused. I just love the serious work on their faces when they play. I like to observe how they different they play. Y make patterns with his glue before pasting the beans creating a masterpiece while K puts a dot for every bean, very systematic.

Are you happy with your life?

Recently, I have been thinking. Am I happy? My days are affected by the roller coaster emotions of 2 2 years old toddlers and I find myself unable to be affected by them, being the adult. I don't do any work that challenge my mind unless you regard tackling a pile of laundry and dirty toilets mind challenging.

I like being a mom, a stay at home mom who get to spend quality time with my children, knowing exactly their likes and dislikes, their temperament, shares their ups and downs and most importantly, grow with them. However, I'm someone who can't stay home. I have never spent so much time at home. I like being out. I like to meet people. I like to be financially independent. And that's the part that makes me unhappy. With my 2 highly sensitive boys, it's very hard to find someone who I can leave them with. My mom has offered great support, unfortunately, my 2 toddlers reject their grandmother badly. They are very demanding, they want someone who can respond to them, who can talk to them, read to them, sing to them but my mom just like to cook for them. And with a doting grandparent, they create havoc with no discipline. My mom probably counts up to hundreds with her 1.2.3 with nothing happening by the count of 3. My boys happily count with her while doing things that are totally unacceptable. So, I'm pretty stuck with them with no space of my own, especially on some days when I desperately need it. That makes me unhappy.

I'm trying hard to find that balance but I think that might take another year. I believe the time will come when my toddlers start to gain some sense, with better self control. For now, I'm taking baby steps to make me happier, to be a better mom. I'm trying to make arrangements that allows me to go for meditation class once a month and I'm hoping to sign up for a piano class at a nearby music school. All these are only possible with a supportive husband and mother. Now, all I need is supportive children.