As summer hits its midway mark and we have gotten into a groove. I know as a parent I cannot wait until the school year begins again. Since my little one is a toddler he will be going to daycare. In the past he would just continue to go through daycare but because we moved across 2 states we want to give our wallets a breather. So since getting our son back from his grandparents house the busy ness does not stop. Along with his potty training our little one will be taking swimming lessons at our gym. Which brings me to this blog topic today.
Since most parents work year round and only take vacations during the summer when the kids are out. Which is why airfare and vacations are more expensive during this time of year. One has to wonder, are we spending too much time and money trying to make sure that our kids are entertained and happy? Also, will these be memories that they will be fond of? In other words, are we as parents spending enough quality time vs quantity time with our kids? Yes, I know we wish we could take more time and just let our inner kid come out and enjoy ourselves at least once a month. But realistically due to economic importance. We cannot.
In order to give our children the amenities that we didn’t have and to keep them happy. We have to go to work and put in overtime. Things have changed over the years of keeping children busy throughout the year. When we were younger it was all about the summer vacation at grandma’s and grandpa or a week to a month with our older cousins. Our parents were praising the heavens once a child became of age to babysit. And this was with no pay. As long as the house was not burned down and no one was hurt everything was okay. Playing in the sun all summer was a sure way to tire your kids out. Today it still is but there are modifications.
Thanks to perverts and people who just want to hurt children. Parents now have to pay someone to watch their children at all times. Our household uses grandparents, other family members for date-night, and the gym for when we go workout. Granted that both of us work from home it is still difficult making sure that my son gets the maximum educational learning experience this year. Not to mention the amount of food intake that now comes into play. Usually, I will go all day without eating but since my son is back I now have to cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner. So I know parents with older children can’t wait until school starts back so the grocery bill can go down. Along with your electricity bill, water bill, and gas bill for the house and car.
I can say that these summers are what kids live for just like parents who work Monday through Friday live for the weekend. Just like we need a break from work children need a break from school. Summertime is a perfect time for kids to showcase their creative skills more. Think about it, instead of someone telling them what they can and cannot do and when to eat and use the restroom. Children use down time to be creative and think for themselves to keep themselves entertained. So instead of just randomly selecting something for your children to do all summer. Try giving your child some freedom and let them explore their interest; they may just surprise you. I mean what if your child is interested in art and portraits? Then selecting a program where they take art classes may be better than just fun in the sun at a water park all day. It may also cost less, more money in your pockets for those family vacations.
Well that is all for my thought today, thanks for reading… SimplyBetty101