Sometimes I have to be dissatisfied with my work
in order to
take it to the next level.

That’s right. Sometimes that annoying little editor perfectionist b*tch that hangs out over my right shoulder… is okay. A little harsh, yeah, of course. But sometimes that mean hag is right. Sometimes her driving criticism is for my own good and I should listen.

And especially when I am doing something difficult. That’s when I really need to listen to her spurring me on so I don’t quit or do things half-butted.

So, what was I doing when this nugget hit me? I was working on organizing some of the information I have on my It’s All Kid’s Play website (check it out–I’m done!!!! (Well, mostly. Still some tweaking and images to add.) Tell me what you think. Does it need something? Do you like it? Feel free to pass the word on about it if you are so inclined).

I was trying to figure out an easy way for people to find the information (crafts and activities) on each page without a ton of scrolling. I have hundreds of activities for kids on the site and around 30 pages, so most pages have about 10-20 items per page. But that’s a lot of scrolling when each activity or craft has anywhere from 0-15 lines of text after them. I tried drop down menus within the paragraphs–too much work for the reader. I tried columns, but the irregularity of the paragraphs looked odd. I tried read more links–too much work. I experimented again and again and put in hours I didn’t have–damn that b*tch, but she was right again and again. It just simply wasn’t good enough. Why go to all this effort if I wasn’t going to be truly satisfied?

And so I kept trying. Kept working. Kept getting harangued by that snot on my shoulder. Eventually I came up with a solution that isn’t too bad. (I hope!)

It’s the same with writing. When I get to the hard slogging, I tend to buck and balk. Hey! I just spent two precious weeks on that scene, what do you mean you think I should take it out? Are you nuts??? And you want me to try something completely new? How much time do you think I have?

But she’s right. When she’s the loudest and most annoying, and I buck at her advice–that’s when she’s right about the most important things and I should shut the heck up and listen.

How about you? Do you ever balk at your internal editor? Did you listen to her/him and find they were right after all (and it was worth the grief)?

(And if you are wondering about this crazy Kid’s Play thing of mine and want a little crash course and missed Jemi Fraser’s mini tour of It’s All Kid’s Play, it’s still up on her blog.)
Thanks and happy Trails!

Anyway, it is a great video for parents, teachers, kids, and well, anyone who’s ever had a childhood or looked at family and said, “What the heck are you doing? You are parenting ALL wrong!”

This short video on play (Seriously: The Movie) is also really good. It’ll get you thinking about play, too.

As well, fabulous Jemi Fraser took a little tour of It’s All Kid’s Play and its blog the other day and shared it with her very lovely blog readers. You can check that out here.

I’m also tweeting kids activities, family activities, arts and crafts, links, and articles on parenting, play, free play, slow parenting, and so much more over on Twitter (@KidsPlay) as well. Come join me! (I’ll also be creating a Facebook page where I will share these tidbits for those of you who are not into Twitter, but are looking for activities to do with your children as well as interesting little parenting bits.)

P.S. Wondering what “slow parenting” is? Here is a quote from writer Carl Honore (featured on The National above):

“Slow parenting is about bringing a bit of balance back. It’s about giving children the time and space to explore the world on their own terms and their own pace. And to make mistakes and learn from them. To get bored, even, so they can learn how to create and to invent their own fun and work out who they are rather than who we want them to be.”

Because it would be hard for me to send you all flowers as a thank you, please accept a field of cheerful flowers:

Thank you!

Check out the virtual Easter Egg hunt over on It’s All Kids’ Play website and blog today.

It’s free, fun and will make you look like the Easter Bunny.