The Parent Writer’s Struggle
We tell stories all the time to our kids. Silly voices? Check. The epic saga of the lost pacifier? You bet. Explaining (again!) why ice cream isn’t breakfast? Daily.
So why is writing so hard?
The stakes feel higher. We want to capture the magic. The humor. The bittersweet beauty of this crazy life. We want to create something that lasts.
That pressure? It’s paralyzing.
Busting Through the Block: Real Tips
Forget perfection. Think LEGOs. You can always rebuild!
Here are some techniques that have helped me (and tons of other parent-writers):
- Embrace the Snippet: No huge time blocks needed. 15 minutes while the pasta cooks? Perfect! Jot down a funny thing your kid said. Describe the morning light in their hair. Piece it together later.
- Lower the Stakes: This isn’t the Great American Novel (today, anyway!). Write a silly dog poem. Pen a thank-you note to the teacher. Start a journal. Just brain-dump. No censoring!
- Change the Scene: The crumb-covered kitchen table? Uninspiring. Try a coffee shop (if you’re brave!), a park bench, or even your car during soccer practice (parked, of course!).
- Find Your Tribe: Connect with other writers. Especially parent-writers. Join a group online or in person. Share your work. Get feedback. You’re not alone!
Creative Sparks
Sometimes, you just need a nudge. Here are a couple of exercises I love:
- The “What If?” Game: Ordinary event + “What if…?” Grocery store cashier = fairy godmother? Rain turns everything into chocolate? Let your imagination fly!
- Object Writing: Pick an object. Seashell? Coffee mug? Kid’s toy? Describe it in detail. Sensory details: look, feel, smell, sound. Don’t worry about “good.” Just write!
- Freewriting with a Prompt: Timer for 10 minutes. Write non-stop. No editing. Prompt: “My favorite childhood memory…” or “Something I’m grateful for today…” Nonsense is fine. Just get the words flowing.
Permission to…
Give yourself permission. Permission to write badly. Permission to write something silly. Permission to write only for yourself.
Writing is a process, not just a product. It’s exploring thoughts, expressing creativity, connecting with yourself.
And as parents? We deserve that.
Finding the Fun
Writing should be enjoyable. Not another chore. Experiment! Find what works. Embrace the mess.
Life with kids is messy. That’s where the best stories come from.
Go write! Even five minutes. Even one sentence. You might surprise yourself.
And hey, still stuck? Dictate into your phone while folding laundry. Ask your kids for writing prompts. You never know what they’ll say!
Keep trying until you find a method that sparks your creativity and fits your life.
You got this!
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