It’s March break. I picked up a couple newspapers targeted at parents of young children to see what’s out there for my kids. It’s absolutely overwhelming. You name it, it’s happening this week: puppet shows, soccer camps, kids’ theatre, intensive courses in arts and crafts, an afternoon of "big bands" music for toddlers (or an afternoon devoted to Celtic rhythms, if that’s what your two year-old digs). I could go on, literally, for 5 more paragraphs.
But I won’t. Instead, I’m going to close those papers and take a nap. It’s exhausting. All those options, all those opportunities for improvement and creativity. I don’t know where to begin. I’m incredibly grateful to have all these great resources that Toronto, along with many other urban centres, has to offer. But, I have to question: do I really want to spend my kids’ entire March break running around to activities? Will my kids be deprived of some mind-blowing experience because I was too lazy to enroll them for every thing on the list?
I hope not. I’ve singled out a couple of things that I would like to explore, like an arts and crafts drop-in morning at the Community Centre, and surprisingly, an event at Ikea – March break mania has even penetrated the European home decor superstore. However, what I’m most looking forward to this week is having my little boy home in the afternoons. Though he’s only been in Montessori for the past year, he has made the leap to another world. At the age of 3.5 years, he already has a life that is separate from me; he has teachers, friends, inside jokes and secret handshakes.
So, here’s what we’re doing this week: We’re going to take walks in the double stroller (the beast is on its last legs after multiple trips and baggage cart brutality), snuggle on the sofa drinking smoothies, and eat popcorn while we watch Curious George for the umpteenth time. We’re going to take group naps in the big bed, and not worry about rushing through lunch so we can run to school. For just this week, I’m going to pretend he’s still my baby.
I loved this article. My son is also almost 3.5 but refusing to nap. How do you get him to nap with you – lol! I totally understand – mine is in pre-school and is always chatting away about someone from his class. It’s really amazing the change from 2 to 3 isn’t it?! Enjoy your last day of the break!
my kids don’t have a real march break. they have off this week in their afternoon (public) school but they still have school at their morning (private) school where they don’t have vacation until april. it’s better for them this way. they don’t end up going stir crazy and don’t need to be heavily entertained!!!
good luck!
*sigh*
I remember those days! My son is 13 now and the suggly group nap times are over.
Enjoy them while you can!
That sounds like an AWESOME plan, Am!! I LOVE IT! And, before you know it, the week will be over, and you’ll have made the TOTAL best of it. 😉 Enjoy!
Oh don’t I know it, Amreen! My son has his own social life at 7.5 and I miss my baby! Enjoy your cuddles and group naps…it won’t be long.
Hey Amreen…I know that feeling when they first go out in the world without you…it’s kinda sad, scary and exciting at the same time. And it just gets more intense, and at the same time, easier to bear. I think your plans for March break are perfect! Enjoy having your little guy at home again, because before you know it he’ll be in grade 1 and telling you not to kiss him in front of his friends because it’s embarrassing 🙂