It’s been a long week, folks. We’re now at the tail end of winter recess, that week-long break from school wedged into the dreary abyss that is February in the northeast.
Now, I can appreciate what a gift this break can be to certain aspects of the population. Like teachers. I was one, once eons ago, and as the final bell rang that Friday afternoon, I was stoked!
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It’s also a fabulous time for the families that use the extended time to go on vacation: preferably to somewhere that is warm, sunny, and includes childcare. I’ve never been to such a place, but I have heard that such bliss does indeed exist.
But for myself, as the school hours on that Friday before break draw to a close, I’d be feeling less enthusiasm and more, well….
YIKES!
Because when you’re used to the daily routine of depositing 75% of your brood off to school and using those hours to power through a massive to-do list, having a week of changing gears can be daunting.
But at the close of this week, I’ve come to the conclusion that I used to be my own worst enemy when it comes to weathering the winter break. I’m getting it now. Here’s why:
- I should expect the weather to be intolerable; it’s winter break.
Hello, it’s winter. Winter in NY. I should know by now -and do this morning, thanks to countless car dashboard temperature pics on Facebook- that it will be cold. And likely dreary. And somehow, I neglect to take this into account, mentally, and end up peering out my windows in disgust, muttering about why it’s suddenly impossible for them to play outside for an hour or so.
2. I WILL hear the phrase “I’m bored” at least 97 times; it’s NOT personal.
The kids are used to a very busy, time-oriented school week. Each day has a steady flow to it. Then suddenly, we are thrust into a week that seemingly endless time. And while I’m dashing around at my normal frenetic pace to get tasks done, I’ll inevitably run into at least one child per hour who whimpers, “I’m… bored…”. And my gut reaction? To promise that they shall never, ever be bored again this week.
I used to take this statement personally. But I realized this week that it’s not personal. The kids can be so used to going-going-going that when the time slows down, they’re at a loss as to what to do with themselves. A simple bit of redirection goes a long way. Sometimes, it’s results in a heart-warming moment.
Accept that even after they enjoy a fun activity, the likely response will be the infamous, “I’m boooored..”
Note To Self: Repeat mantra of “It’s NOT personal, It’s NOT personal, It’s NOT…”
3. The crumbs will not go away- ACCEPT IT.
Take six kids, add roughly 12 hours of awake time circulating the house, and blend in countless food products. The crumb production during this week is staggering. No matter how meticulous I am with my trusty broom, our floors still resemble the sandy beaches that I long to be lying on at that very moment.
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4. Paint. They will want to paint.They will ask to paint. Just let them paint.
Paint and I have a love/hate relationship. While I love creativity and kids having fun, ….I …hate…. messy… stuff. I used to be so good about letting my kids get crafty. You know, back when I had, like, two kids. But put six kids into a room together, add paint, and s–t’s gonna get real.
It will be messy. And paint will be spilled. And someone will try to eat the paint. BUT- they love it. They really do. And there is usually so little time in our regular schedule to embark on such endeavors.
Let them eat paint, she says..
5. Food, glorious food… buy TONS of it.
A week off simply blows the food budget. It took me a few years to catch on to this, but I know it by now. Because in addition to now needing to provide them with the lunches and snacks that they’d otherwise be eating in school, it’s a given that the words, “I’m hungry” or “I want a snack!” will be uttered at least 15 times per day. Instead of those last minute, scrambled grocery trips, I now plan ahead. I stock the house like we’re snowbound for a month (which due to the cold, almost seems true.)
6. As per #5, you’ll need extra food… because there will be TONS of friends here.
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When you’re attempting to entertain 6 kids, adding a few extras might seem ludicrous, but in reality, I’ve learned they’re really a godsend. Bringing one or two (or five) kids into the mix actually changes the atmosphere of the house. The kids settle into fun with their counterparts, reducing the tattle quotient by at least %50. And that is well worth the cost of extra chips and juice.
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7. Instead of being overwhelmed by it all, soak it in.
“The days are long, but the years are short.” Kids grow up quickly. And in the midst of school, sport practices, playdates, etc., there’s less and less time to savor downtime in the home, together. So instead of stressing about the crowd, the crumbs, and the chaos, I’ve learned to remind myself how blessed I am for these slower times:
Yes, yes, yes. As a homeschool parent, finding something to keep the Minions busy after the work is over can be a challenge.
Haven't tried the Hunger Games idea though…Hmmmm…
You homeschool?! Then, I bow down to you, girl, because you have my sincere admiration. I gave homeschooling serious thought when my two oldest were very young, but was overwhelmed once we had our third. But I think it's excellent- way to go!
I hear you about the break being long… especially when you’re stuck indoors! But you made me LOL- thanks!
Lol! Oh the paint. Why do they always want to paint, and I cringed when I read about the crumbs. We so have that problem at my house.
Ah, yes, paint. Only slightly better than the dreaded Play-Doh, or the (gasp!) GLITTER.
From a fellow mom of a bajillion – okay, 5 – kids, I used to dread the break. But, as you said, I eventually figured out that it’s all perspective. I homeschool the youngest, and now it’s lovely having the middle girls home – they can entertain one another and my son! Novelty of any kind is always a huge hit. Your #7 hit home to me eventually, too. Two of mine are over 21 now, and it’s shocking to look back at how fast it all went! It’s not always easy to remember that when they are eating you out of house and home, but posts like this are always a great reminder for me. Thanks for sharing!
Good point, Kim- I try to keep in mind just how fast it’s all going, b/c even though some days seem to last FOREVER, it really does go quickly. My oldest is 12, but it seems like just yesterday that she was 2 or 3. I’m making an effort to be more conscious of really being present & aware of the little moments before it all flies by (easier said than done some days, though.)
Completely easier said than done! I try really hard to remember that it’s just a bad day, not a bad life, but some days, it’s pretty hard to convince me. Like the day my son painted my carpeted stairs red.. that was kind of a bad-life day. And then, there was the day that started with a stern tween talk, and ended with me shouting out to no one in particular that I was moving out, to which my husband said.. “uh.. yeah, you aren’t leaving me here ALONE.”. Like I said.. I try. hahaha
I loved the comment about visiting guests, “The kids settle into fun with their counterparts, reducing the tattle quotient by at least %50.” It seems to be true. They also tend to just go outside and stay there playing happily. At least until there is some kind of bonk.
Ah, I long for the day(s) when the weather is warm enough for them to go outside once again. (Which lasts, as you said, until the first skirmish…)
Oh yes. The bored one I’m getting a lot of. And I tell her it’s not my job to entertain her. And she stays bored a bit. And that’s OK. 😉
This was so great!! I”m right there with you. 75% to school and a massive to-do list!!! Then they stay home and good Lord, they drive me nuts!! I absolutely love the Hunger Games reference-survival of the fittest! Lol
..and now that we’re back to the school week, it’s back to the massive to-do list & carpools…! 🙂