When I was growing up I loved long breaks from school. I was thrilled to play all day. Especially because when I was growing up long breaks from school meant Christmas or Easter were days away. Super exciting.
As an adult my feelings about breaks from school are the exact opposite. I feel completely unprepared and overwhelmed. Oh, no! Spring break, again?!? Ugh. What will I do home with both kids for the whole week? I need to think of fun, cheap things to do that won't exhaust or injure me. The pressure has increased since Isaac started kindergarten. It takes a lot more to engage him and a lot less to hurt me. Plus now everything has to be appropriate for a toddler and a second grader.
It really is a hard age difference. I'm so happy they have each other, but it's tricky to give the right amount of encouragement and independence to each of them. For example when we go to the children's museum Riley comes with Mommy to the gated baby area where she can go anywhere she wants and can still be seen. Isaac is free to roam the rest of the first floor, but has to check in periodically. It's also a free trip because we're members. Short of the museum or playground there isn't much they can both do.
It is especially a problem now that spring break is a full month before Easter. There's a lot less fun goings on to keep the kids busy. Riley's not at an age where she can make though a movie in the theater. So, that leaves us with a trip to the museum, playground and possibly the Mall for an Easter Bunny photo later in the week and the rest is TBD. Netflix is helpful. Grandparents willing to steal them for an afternoon are a blessing. The rest, much like parenting in general, is a messy, chaotic, stressfully funny, making-it-up-as-you-go-along mystery.
You guys have an open invitation to come play here. Just say when. :-)
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