Yesterday was the first day of summer vacation for my two older girls. I have a bunch of ideas to help keep us busy. I really don't want the whole summer spent watching T.V. and playing on the computer.
We (I mean they) started out the day watching morning cartoons. Strike one.
Then we ate breakfast and went for a bike ride up to the community garden. I'll have to do a post on the community garden later, because I just really love it. Brooklyn is good at riding her bike. Savannah hasn't had much practice, and does okay with her training wheels on. I hope to give her a lot of practice this summer riding her bike. I was feeling pretty good about giving her the opportunity to ride on the "first day of Summer." Madison rode a trike and luckily we have two matching trikes so that Charlotte could "ride" one too, but really I just pushed her along for the most part. Right next to the community garden is a park, and so we got in a little more riding practice at the park, and took some time to play on the slides and swings as well.
On the way back home my plan started to fall apart. The two older girls were much faster than I was with Madison and Charlotte. After a bit Charlotte refused to ride, and Madison wanted to walk. There I was trying to push/pull/carry two trikes, a two year old, and persuade a four year old to hurry along. We were away from home for about two and a half hours. I'm glad that we all made it home in one piece.
So, the T.V. and computer got turned on again. Strike two.
Then we had some fun playing with friends for a little while - a total of three hours maybe.
And then it was time to fix dinner, and I just didn't have the energy/desire to keep the kids occupied and they wanted to play a new Wii game, so again we turned on the T.V. Strike three!
Clearly I need more ideas to turn to when the kids say, "Can I play on the computer?" or "Can I watch a movie?" or when I just need a little break myself.
It is a really good thing that I have 79 more days to perfect my summer strategies.
:)
FSY
1 day ago
hmm..sounds like you'd better count the successes instead-sounds like a pretty fun/full day despite the tv/computer :)
ReplyDeletejeff told me about the community garden you're involved in and that sounds so great. I'm looking forward to a post about what exactly you're up to.
<3
When you figure that out, let me know. I feel like when Deziree is sleeping, the TV is on. Then I have a hard time persuading them that it is time to turn it off. It sounds like they had lots of fun.
ReplyDeleteIt's true, Nicole, you ARE an amazing mom! I'm not sure I would have been brave enough to take all four girls on that bike ride to begin with!
ReplyDeleteOne thing I've done that works when trying to keep away from the tv-trap is to create a big list of all of the different ideas of things they could do, like: play with ponies, read books, play outside, draw/paint, playdough, etc. I like to divide up into different play things especially, one reason it works to have toys in separate containers. Then you can map out your day with 15-30 minute time periods of each thing. So 9-9:30 is play all together in your playroom, 9:30-10 we all read books on the couch, 10-10:45 art projects at the table, etc. Another good thing to do with that is to have times where each girl has special time with another, so they can foster individual relationships with one another. Have time set aside daily or weekly for each girl to be alone with Charlotte (and play what she wants to play) for maybe 15 minutes, time for the two older girls, then each with Madison. Also time alone is a great way to teach some independence. Don't forget chore time and free time, and then a short tv time might not feel so bad, after all!
Have fun, we sure miss you!!!
Oh, I forgot two other good ones: time alone with Mom (while the others are playing or alone) and cooking!
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone for your encouraging words, and for your great ideas! I'm truly blessed to have such nice friends.
ReplyDelete