When I had two babies and a toddler and 2 young kids to take shopping, I didn't like it. I always like to challenge myself mentally and physically, so I would ALWAYS take them everywhere, almost for the challenge of it. I would tell myself, "this will only be a few years, and you will be stronger for it" ...now I have no babies, and no toddlers, and 5 well behaved kids. I actually find myself looking forward to our errand and shopping days together! (although they say they hate it, I love it!) During the school year I get all the shopping and errands done while they are in school, but now that summer is here, they go with me. Shawn is twelve and technically allowed to watch his siblings, but I have only let him do that if I stay within a few minutes of the house and if it is for a short time and only during the day...I know I was watching my siblings when I was 9, and even watching neighbors kids when I was nine, (which I think is NUTS!) I was also getting paid regularly to babysit 5 kids when I was 12, but I haven't really introduced Shawn to babysitting yet. And because I am finding that I enjoy my time doing errands with them, I just take them. The other day we were able to get 2 baskets of food because they helped, they help load and unload the car. I enjoy the car ride with them also. We always have such great discussions. The other day we talked about the universe and the possibilities of other life on other planets and today in the car ride to costco we took turns telling each other what we liked about each other. I know we look like an overwhelming crowd as we approach a store or a dental office, and we often times get in other's way, but I am truely relishing my time with my kids. They learn so much about life and the world from going on little errands with me, and I learn so much about them as we interact. When I took a picture of them today, they said "Mom, why did you take a picture of us?" i just said "Because, I want to remember these days" ...
The kids ride on the cart in costco, the kids in the fron have to "steer" with their feet...
Going into Shawn's Orthodontist appointment...we do get in the way of people sometimes, but I love having them with me for these little errands during the summer!
Going into Shawn's Orthodontist appointment...we do get in the way of people sometimes, but I love having them with me for these little errands during the summer!
3 comments:
That's awesome. I can't wait to be at that point someday. We're still at the 'I dread going anywhere with them together in the car because I have to hear the almost constant bickering'. This stage I will definitely not miss!
Can't wait until I'm there...
Ditto...we're hit or miss on whether it is enjoyable or like torture. At least it isn't like torture all the time! When we do run errands together, and no one whines or has a meltdown, I like it. Meltdowns do seem to be getting fewer and farther between.
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