Summertime
Summer is here and the natives are out of school. The weather is heating up and the pool is beckoning us to come cool off later this afternoon. I enjoy the morning chill with my warm mug of coffee. Madeline and Owen got up this morning, immediately dressed, and went in the backyard on the side of the house to build something. I know enough to let them alone as their imaginations are running wild and would halt abruptly at the sight of an adult. I can hear them though and it is enough to make me smile. They are working together and getting along so interrupting such a sweet moment would be short-sighted.
Last Monday, we all had a terrible day as we transitioned into Summer mode. The kids wandered aimlessly because they didn’t need to prepare for school and consequently fell to boredom and quarreling. I fell apart because my house was a wreck and any attempt to keep it clean was just futile. We’ve come a long way this week in our transition. It’s Friday and Madeline and Owen know they have a few responsibilities to complete before leaving the house – both academic and domestic. I have staked out a few rooms that they are not to clutter under any circumstances and let go of the others until just before bedtime. I have also learned that a stocked fridge equals a happy family. This is do-able for me. This week has been a week of negotiations on everyone’s part so now we can feel free to play knowing the boundaries and expectations of Summertime.
June 23rd, 2009 at 8:35 pm
This sounds so familiar. The first week of summer, I had 3 natives to train. All of you would wander to the fridge and stand browsing until you were yelled at. I had to have a set snack time. The TV was always on, no matter how many times I turned it off, and when I returned, it was on again with no one in the room. But, there were so many sweet times when you were playing together and having fun. I miss those days.