What Happened to Having Fun?

Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of adults, especially parents, prioritizing their own fun and recreation, just as they do for their children.

Abstract

The author reflects on the tendency of adults, particularly parents, to overlook their own need for fun amidst the demands of daily life. Drawing a parallel between the necessity of play for children and the often-ignored need for adults to engage in enjoyable activities, the author highlights the benefits of recreation for personal happiness and, by extension, the well-being of the entire family. The article points out that while adults may easily justify spending on children's entertainment, they often hesitate to spend on their own leisure, citing financial constraints or fatigue. However, the author argues that fun is not a luxury but a crucial aspect of life for everyone, suggesting that even small amounts of money and time dedicated to personal enjoyment can lead to a happier self and, consequently, a happier household.

Opinions

Adults, like children, require regular doses of fun and entertainment to maintain happiness and well-being.
It is common for parents to prioritize their children's fun over their own, sometimes to the detriment of their personal enjoyment.
The author observes that some adults in places like London are adept at incorporating recreation into their lives, with a variety of activities designed for grown-ups.
Financial excuses often prevent parents from indulging in their own leisure activities, despite their willingness to spend on their children's entertainment.
The author believes that self-care in the form of fun is not only acceptable but also beneficial for the entire family's happiness.
Children inherently understand the importance of fun and serve as role models for adults in this regard.

Fun isn’t just for children!

As an adult and particularly as a parent, it’s easy to neglect the need to have fun! Oftentimes, there are so many jobs on my mind, that I push aside my requirement for laughter and entertainment.

If I neglected my four-year-old’s need for fun, I’d know about it. If there was no park or feeding the ducks, zooming toy cars over my laminate floor, or covering it in paint, she would not be happy. And rightly so, because what is life without a little play?

On my recent visit to London, I realized that some adults truly do know the meaning of recreation. There’s the West End and quirky bars, ball pits for adults, and escape rooms. So much fun geared towards grown-ups.

My home town doesn’t have the same level of choice, but it’s definitely not devoid of fun. As a parent, it’s easy to make excuses. You put your kid's needs first and forget about your own.

I’ll spend money on taking my children swimming or to a play center without hesitation, but when it comes to booking that cinema trip for myself, I’m suddenly very aware of the lack of cash in the bank.

Bigger stuff, like the theatre, hardly ever happens because I don’t feel like I can justify the expense. Also, I’m tired. Really tired. And it goes on late. Fun isn’t that important for adults, is it?

Here’s the thing. You deserve fun. And more than that, allowing yourself recreation won’t negatively impact your children’s standard of life. If anything, it’ll improve it. You’ll be happier — they’ll be happier.

I understand that sometimes money can be an issue, but when you have a spare tenner to use, don’t feel bad for using it on yourself.

Kids know how to have fun. They’re going to make sure they do. We should follow in their footsteps. As my daughter told me the other day, ‘Mummy, you’ve got to make sure you have a little bit of fun everywhere you go.’