With his Spaceship, Spaceship, Spaceship
Probably not a smart move making a post like this during a week where I won’t be on the computer or my phone too much. As I mentioned on Saturday, this is my son’s Winter Break . . . which includes a day that is in the 50’s and maybe even 60. Guess calling it President’s Week wouldn’t work, but whatever. Either way, he’s home and we’re going to be doing stuff. Movie, building, playing, something outside, and other events that will leave me dragging my tired butt into bed. Nothing is really set in stone besides The Lego Batman Movie. Apparently, that’s a problem.
It happens before every break. I’m bombarded with ideas and events to do with my son. Many of these cost a bunch of movie, which I don’t always have. $45 bucks a day for a week long camp? Nope. $60 for a place that is also a long drive? Might as well use my zoo membership or go to this smaller place nearby for $6/person. Unfortunately, this ends up making my wife and I feel like we’re not being good parents. If we say no then we’re told that we’re not stimulating him. I’m showing him Planet Earth II and looking for free/cheap stuff to do. It isn’t like I’m chucking him in a box after breakfast and only taking him out for meals. We feel bad enough that we can’t do a lot of the things other people do. Any monetary windfall we get goes to bills or we’re far too scared to use it beyond a single present for him. This is the life we live and I’d like to think we’re working as best as we can with it. How many other 7-year-olds will start telling you about Golden Snub-Nosed Monkeys and Gila Monsters? Really should do a zoo trip at some point during this week.
My favorite thing is when people suggest stuff that doesn’t fit what my son does or it’s something they would like to do with him. Yeah, this part might get me in a little trouble, but I’m guessing everyone does it. We have our own interests and we tend to project them on others. Art museums are a common one, but I know my son is more interested in animals and things you can interact with. It would be a waste of gas and a ticket even if he seems interested at home. The kid is rather skilled at humoring adults without them noticing. When it comes time to do the thing, he’ll simply say ‘no thank’s and politely ask for what he really wanted. Have to admit that I get a kick out of watching people try to convince him to go along with their choices.
The point of a break is to have fun and rest for the kid. It’s also for the parent to not kill themselves entertaining them. Why run yourself ragged and then limp through the weekend? Especially when the following week is a return to the usual schedule, which typically isn’t any easier than when the kid is home. Less distraction, but more work and chores. I just don’t see why I have to be given guilt trips for not planning stuff or focusing on things I know he loves to do. Again, the animals are always a hit with him and there’s nothing wrong with playing at home for a day or two. Those games and puzzles won’t play with themselves. Not to mention he always gets a new toy during this time for doing great at school. We started rough this year because of Common Core, but he’s not having panic attacks anymore and is meeting his goals. So, his aunt and us are getting him a big Lego Batman Set that has his new favorite character: Poison Ivy. Weird since he only knows her from one book.
Anyway, needed to get that off my chest. What do other people do when their kids have/had a break from school? Was it always scheduled or did you let your whims do the work? Is it really that bad to spend some time at home?
Also:
Grab a copy of Chasing Bedlam for 99 cents!
Cover is 7-year-old approved since he snagged my phone when I was looking at the proof.
Or:
