Play Date Persuasions
In my opinion, play dates can be both a gift and a curse. It’s kind of like carpooling, where you rotate the driver so sometimes you’re driving and sometimes you’re riding. With play dates, you rotate the driver too…and the maid…and the chef…and the butt wiper…and the noise catcher…and the temper tantrum tolerator…and even the forehead that 20 stickers get stuck to too! Please don’t get me wrong! Play dates are awesome when Spring is going on a play date. But when Spring has a friend coming on a play date, my perspective significantly changes.
I am a single mother used to a single child doing singular things. When you double my responsibility, it’s overwhelming to say the least. I have to cook more food, take more bathroom breaks, clean up more toys, wipe more tears and just do more stuff in general! I know I sound selfish, but at least applaud me for being honest.
The fact of the matter is we become comfortable with our routine. Change is difficult. Whether you have 1 child or 8, you are used to that particular arrangement and have adapted to it. Anything extra is a challenge, and most times unwelcomed. There are a few “angels in the sky” that just adore their cousin dropping off her 3 kids for the afternoon, but I am not one of them and most people I know are just like me. So, I’ve implemented a rule that I need 4 weeks notice of any scheduled play dates. This gives me enough time to mentally prepare for my doom and discourages any impromptu drop-offs.
This statement actually points out why it would be hard for someone to have alone time or me time.
Comment by Bea — September 19, 2009 @ 12:10 pm
Whats does butt wiping and nose blowing and play dates have to do with fruit and vegetable consumption?
Comment by CHRIS — September 19, 2009 @ 8:08 pm
Beleive it or not healthy living has a lot to do with the healthy foods we eat such as fruits and veg. Chris; try to open your mind and try to group all this together. Because the way we eat has a lot to do with the way we live.
Comment by shannon — September 21, 2009 @ 11:37 am
Why should we beleive that a person eats healthy foods if they live like ; mentally disturbed. Therfore I think it is good that Sharese tell us a little about herself and her family life Chris. Although if you look at the big picture the healthy way of living comes complete with a healthy way of eating. When it comes to playdates; I always had a hard time with that Sharese. You are right; you really have to prep for it.
Comment by monica — September 21, 2009 @ 11:57 am
When my kids have playdates over; it is just more work. You really gear up for punishment. I sometime get mentally disturbed behind it. Some please do not send your kids to my house.
Comment by Diane — September 21, 2009 @ 12:01 pm
My children always had playdates over and I just enjoyed seeing them happy. I just wish I had gave them fruits and veg. or more healthy snacks instead of all the unhealthy junk food I gave them. Hopefull they will do much better with their children when it comes to healthy eating and a healthy environment.
Comment by shirley — September 22, 2009 @ 11:50 am
My house is usually pretty quiet…well besides my 2 yr. old being there. So yes, I will have to agree that from 1 2yr. old to 3 and 4 of them is a bit overwhelming. I applaud the mothers with more than 1 child. I’m still trying to keep up with 1!
Comment by Kak — October 8, 2009 @ 2:29 pm