My family likes to be on the move. Even if it is as simple as a walk down the high street on a sunny spring day or kicking a ball around at the park, we are not the type that can just hang around. I find I get really antsy and irritable if we have nothing to do and my kids get really crazy. My husband and I often wonder which came first, their need for activity or did the high activity level lead to this need?
As I cruised down the slopes this weekend enjoying the beautiful conditions and sparkling sunshine, I felt really good about our decision to spend every Sunday for 8 weeks skiing…then, we spent 2 hours in the car driving home. I have had so many discussions with my urban mom friends about how much is too much. I think that each family and each child should be considered individually, there is a spectrum, but I still question how much down time we all need.
When my kids are pooped on a Sunday from all of the activities and the driving back and forth, I wonder if we are doing too much. So, I watch them, and other than the time in the car, they are thrilled. They love skiing, meeting friends, being outside, and visiting with family outside of the city. Phew, I feel better. Then, I am faced with a 30 minute meltdown from my 3 year old on Monday morning. I can’t help but think of our busy weekend and the later than normal bedtimes.
This weekend I was discussing this with an urban mom pal on the chairlift and an older woman we were sitting beside commented on how lucky our kids were to get the chance to experience all of these things and what a great way to spend time as a family. I hadn’t thought about that. Most of these things are things we do together or my husband and I are there, cheering the kids on.
Sometimes I feel exhilerated. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed. I’m not sure if there is a perfect balance or if every day is simply different than the next. I don’t know if I will ever figure it out. But, what I do know is that my husband, my children and I are all lucky to have the opportunity to share all of these wonderful, busy days together.
Please share your comments below or send an email to jen@urbanmoms.ca.
Jen