An important part of stay-at-home-momhood is remaining connected. It doesn't matter if you're an introvert or extrovert--hell, even a haricot vert is better off with some companionship. A nice herbed butter, perhaps.
For me, connecting isn't just a way to spice things up; it's essential after one to two days at home. Beyond two days and I'm ready to bounce a Hippity Hop right off a cliff. Same with Boss, who starts barking, “Go on venture!” He'll demand to go anywhere--the grocery store, mall, park, gramma/pawpaw's. He'd be glad to just ride loops around the neighborhood, actually. We've even done a few get-out-of-the-house-but-stay-in-the-car trips like watching a train arrive at the local station or inching our way through the car wash. But those are band-aids; for a true fix, we need people.
Building connections takes time and practice, though. Some weeks we have a play date or two, while some welcome us with a blank calendar and a cold shoulder. Those are the long weeks, and they're more common in the winter time when getting out takes more effort (Coats! Hats! Mittens! Scarves! Boots! Puffy clothes in tight car seats! Exasperation!). It also comes with fewer choices--pretty much nothing outdoors, at least for this cold weather wimp. (Exception: If it snows, I'm all about fun in the Winter Wonderland.)
Now that spring is here, outdoor options are starting to bloom, beginning with the park, various gardens and, of course, walks in the neighborhood. Truthfully, I haven't discovered what else exists for a 2-year-old and 9-month-old, but I know a field of opportunity must be out there.
Meanwhile, I keep my antennae up for recommendations online and via word of mouth. So far I've learned how great libraries/bookstores and their story times are. They're short, free, social, educational and fun; our Barnes and Noble even sports a Thomas the Tank train table for some post-book chugga-chooing in a cute little nook. Indoor gym/arcade places like Oasis are also fun and pretty cheap. We had a good time for a $4 admission (plus snacks), even though Boss planted himself in the firetruck ride and decided, rather greedily, that he owned it for the afternoon. Some places, like our helicopter museum nearby, are excellent as well, but pricier. And various restaurants, such as the eatery at our local airport, are an exciting way to entertain kiddos who can watch runway activity while munching pancakes. We've also recently discovered a free indoor playground at the mall, and are ready, age permitting, to try our hand at free art classes there as well.
Even if I just trade small talk or share an eye-rolling moment with another mom, the exchange reinforces a common bond. We're all parents, raising our crazy, demanding, lovable kids, hoping to give them a world of joy, respect--and their own tools to connect.
No comments:
Post a Comment