Let me preface this by saying— if you chose to birth your baby via c-section, vaginally, through your nostrils . . . it’s your body and your business. We all have choices and how we bring babies into this world is one of them.

That being said, the story about Jessica Simpson’s labor really blew my mind. She told In Touch magazine that she opted for a c-section because she was afraid of pain.

Who tells women c-sections are somehow less painful or painless, and why are they buying it? Why would anyone opt to have their stomach cut open (muscles, nerves, the whole nine) and a baby pulled out of it (more like pushed, pulled, tugged until it’s out) and think it’s going to be a cakewalk? And the recovery? Here’s what they don’t tell you: The first time you try and walk after 24 hours of leg compresses and catheters— that feels like someone ripped your stomach open, put about a ton of bricks in it, sewed you up and said, ok go ahead and walk now . . . don’t mind the fact that it feels like the contents of your stomach are painfully dragging on the floor.

I remember the first time someone told me after my first c-section, “Well, at least you didn’t have to have any pain.” Seriously? I still have pain. Also not on the list of things you’ll hear from celebrity birth stories: Two c-sections later and my lower abdomen is a mess of dead nerves and shooting pains. And right above the incision looks like a shelf. It’s very attractive.

Of course, at the end of the day I would have birthed my sons through my little finger if that was the only way I could have brought them into this world. I’d give anything, endure any amount of pain … and I’d do it all over again, twice.

My issue is (clearly I have one), it’s annoying when c-sections are glorified with these celebrities like it’s the hip thing to do when you’re just too cool for pain. C-sections are painful, jackhole.

If you’re short on ideas (and budget) and scrambling to keep your kids entertained these last few weeks 0f summer, here are a few quick things you can do together that cost absolutely nothing:

Scavenger hunt

Plant things around the house and engage your kids in a game of scavenger hunt. If they’re old enough to read, write down what’s hidden with clues to where the items can be found and have your kids cross off each item as they go. If your kids are too young to read, you can feed them clues and help them with cues when they’re “hot” and close to the item, or “cold” and need to head the other way.

Build a fort

When my cousins and I were little, we’d be entertained for hours by building forts from things we found around the house and have so much fun playing in whatever incredible fortress we created. From chairs and sheets, to couch cushions and pillows, there are endless things you can find around your house to make a great fort. Forts also double as the perfect reading nook, a great place to play games, and even a snuggly little den for nap time.

Role play

Imaginative play is so critical for our growing kids. It gives them opportunities to create, to problem solve, to build social skills and language skills. Instead of turning on the TV or popping in a DVD, role play with your kids to act out their favorite shows and characters. My three- and one-year-old boys love to play Jake and the Neverland Pirates. We hunt for treasure, look for Captain Hook and pretend like our living room is a giant ship. It has benefits for me, too. I love to bond with them, at their level, in their world. I feel like I learn so much about their little personalities by watching them interact on their plating field.

Dress up

Let your kids loose in yours and daddy’s closet and have them pick out a couple grown-up outfits to wear. You can always put on some music, mark a makeshift runway and have a fashion show, too. Of course, another bonus is that the pictures are always priceless!