I LOVE summertime! I love the warm weather, being able to go to the beach or lake, less clothing (no coats to put the kids in before going outside meaning quicker to leave), a less defined schedule, etc. I try not to plan too many things during the summer just so we can kinda wake up in the morning and say, “What do you want to do today?” The only things we had planned really were that the 2 oldest boys went to cub scout camp for a week. And then we have our weekend away, our mini-vacation, next weekend to Hershey, PA. The school year is pretty busy with everyone’s activities so I try to keep the summers low-key. It’s the time of year when everyone can be a litle lazy.
I think, however, the kids are getting bored. School starts in about 2 weeks and I am starting to hear, “What can I do now?” It’s been pretty humid out lately also so I don’t want them outside too long in the heat. School notices have started coming about orientation for the oldest into high school and my youngest son into kindergarten. They are getting excited, and so am I.
The other day Quail had a dentist appointment and I had books for Squeazel and Gubba to read. They were occupied. Mommia was in need of a nap because she had been playing outside so I was hoping she would be chill. NOPE. She decided to take the time we were waiting for Quail to get her teeth cleaned to get out the last of her energy before nap. And for a kid who is normally high-energy, this was a lot for her to get out. Once she decided to not listen to me after I told her to calm down for the third time, she got strapped in the double stroller. Of course this made her yell, scream and whine. Then Bisque decided to start to chase around Snip. I told him several times to stop also. Soon after I started thinking about waiting in the car, someone came to the window in the area and said to the kids, “Hey guys, can you quiet down?” That was pretty much it- I was tired, they were rowdy and we all needed a change of scenery. Not to mention I was embarrassed! I was slightly annoyed at both the kids and the dentists’ office. They are kids;z kids make noise. With a bunch as big as mine, it’s usually a lot of noise, even when a few are just sitting and reading. Mommia has a good set of lungs on her, and when she wants to use them- watch out! But I was also frustrated with the kids. B knew better than to chase the baby when we are out somehwere, especially in the waiting room for a dentist. And he also knew better to stop when I told him to instead of not listen.
That day was very frustrating. Thankfully the next day was a lot better. It’s proven that kids really do crave schedules and routine. They just need to know what happens next. I’m pretty sure any person works best in that environment. Even if you aren’t on a strict schedule with a new baby, you can see that they will make their own by taking naps around the same time every day, wanting to eat about the same time each day, etc. It’s just how we are wired as human beings. So while I say with a sad face that summer is almost over, I then say again- summer is almost over. This time with a much more hopefully, happy expression on my face.
ToddlerToTeenWithFourInBetween 