Create magical moments with your kids, a la 'Mary Poppins Returns'

As mamas, we naturally become the magic-makers for our families. We sing the songs that make the waits seem shorter, dispense the kisses that help boo-boos hurt less, carry the seemingly bottomless bags of treasures, and find ways to turn even the most hum-drum days into something memorable.

Sometimes it’s on a family vacation or when exploring a new locale, but often it’s in our own backyards or living rooms. Here are 12 ways to create magical moments with kids no matter where your adventures take you.

image 11 Motherly — Motherly for Mary Poppins Returns

1. Keep it simple

Mary Poppins may be practically perfect in every way, but―trust us―your most magical memories don’t require perfection. Spend the morning building blanket forts or break out the cookie cutters to serve their sandwich in a fun shape and you’ll quickly learn that, for kids, the most magical moments are often the simplest.

2. Get on their level

Sometimes creating a memorable moment can be as easy as getting down on the floor and playing with your children. So don’t be afraid to get on your hands and knees, to swing from the monkey bars, or turn watching your favorite movie into an ultimate snuggle sesh.

3. Reimagine the ordinary

As Mary says, “the cover is not the book.” Teach your child to see the world beyond initial impressions by encouraging them to imagine a whole new world as you play―a world where the laundry basket can be a pirate ship or a pile of blankets can be a castle.

image 12 Motherly — Motherly for Mary Poppins Returns

4. Get a little messy

Stomp in muddy puddles. Break out the finger paint. Bake a cake and don’t worry about frosting drips on the counter. The messes will wait, mama. For now, let your children―and yourself―live in these moments that will all too soon become favorite memories.

5. Throw out the plan

The best-laid plans…are rarely the most exciting. And often the most magical moments happen by accident. So let go of the plan, embrace the unexpected, and remember that your child doesn’t care if the day goes according to the schedule.

6. Take it outside

There’s never a wrong time of year to make magic outside. Take a stroll through a spring rainstorm, catch the first winter snowflakes on your tongue, or camp out under a meteor shower this summer. Mother Nature is a natural at creating experiences you’ll both remember forever.

7. Share your childhood memories

Chances are if you found it magical as a child, then your kids will too. Introduce your favorite books and movies (pro tip: Plan a double feature with an original like Mary Poppins followed with the sequel, Mary Poppins Returns!) or book a trip to your favorite family vacation spot from the past. You could even try to recreate photos from your old childhood with your kids so you can hang on to the memory forever.

8. Just add music

Even when you’re doing something as humdrum as prepping dinner or tidying up the living room, a little music has a way of upping the fun factor. Tell Alexa to cue up your favorite station for a spontaneous family dance party or use your child’s favorite movie soundtrack for a quick game of “Clean and Freeze” to pick up toys at the end of the day.

9. Say “yes”

Sometimes it can feel like you’re constantly telling your child “no.” While it’s not possible to grant every request (sorry, kiddo, still can’t let you drive the car!), plan a “yes” day for a little extra magic. That means every (reasonable) request gets an affirmative response for 24 hours. Trust us―they’ll never forget it.

10. Let them take the lead

A day planned by your kid―can you imagine that? Instead of trying to plan what you think will lead to the best memories, put your kid in the driver’s seat by letting them make the itinerary. If you have more than one child, break up the planning so one gets to pick the activity while the other chooses your lunch menu. You just might end up with a day you never expected.

11. Ask more questions

Odds are, your child might not remember every activity you plan―but they will remember the moments you made them feel special. By focusing the conversation on your little one―their likes, dislikes, goals, or even just craziest dreams―you teach them that their perspective matters and that you are their biggest fan.

12. Turn a bad day around

Not every magical moment will start from something good. But the days where things don’t go to plan can often turn out to be the greatest memories, especially when you find a way to turn even a negative experience into a positive memory. So don’t get discouraged if you wake up to rain clouds on your beach day or drop the eggs on the floor before breakfast―take a cue from Mary Poppins and find a way to turn the whole day a little “turtle.”

Mary Poppins Returns available now on Digital & out on Blue-ray March 19! Let the magic begin in your house with a night where everything is possible—even the impossible ✨