Parenting Guru: More sleep + less laundry= Spring Break
A couple of we
eks ago, I was lounging pool side with some of my closest mommy friends. Eventually the topic of Spring Break rolled around. My friends had plans for everything from Disney World to camping in the Smokey Mountains on the calendar for Spring Break. It seems there is no shortage of ideas to keep kids busy during their week off. Our plans? Absolutely nothing. I can get away with planning nothing for several reasons, so allow me to explain.
Travel aversion
I am not a person who enjoys traveling. In fact, I try to avoid travel when ever possible. In order to go away for Spring Break, we would have to pack. This means I would pull clothing from closets and dressers for the six of us and cram everything that would fit into suitcases. I would also need to take any toys or books that may provide a moment's entertainment for our four children. Then, we would pull all four children from their bedrooms and crowd them into the car for several hours. At our destination, we would be required to share a room and bathroom with our children for the duration of our "vacation". No part of that sounds like fun to me.
Pensacola Beach
Note that I said we were lounging pool side a couple of weeks ago. We live in Florida. Florida is the choice destination of Spring Breakers all over the country. We live about 20 minutes from one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Last year, we got very little beach time because it is difficult to relax when crews in hazmat gear are trying to clean up BP's tar balls and oil slicks. This year, most of the tar and oil is hidden from view, so the hazmat crews won't be disrupting our loafing.
Pool time
We don't have a pool in our backyard, but we have something better. We have a pool in parents' backyard right across the street. Why is that better? We have unlimited access without the cost and responsibility of pool maintenance. Though the water won't be warm enough for the grown-ups for another month, our kids spent hours in the pool yesterday afternoon and didn't have any complaints.
Down time
I am a big believer in down time. I don't think children should have every moment of their day (or vacation) scheduled. I am looking forward to turning off the alarm clocks and spending more time in our pajamas. I am looking forward to having the children lounging around at home with no reminders of homework and band practice.
Don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed our family vacations in the past. Mostly. I am sure that we will embark on more trips as a family before our children are grown. But, not this Spring Break. This week off will be spent enjoying each other's company and all the benefits living in Florida bring.
When she isn't squashing plans for a family vacation, Jeri Nowlin Shaffer can be found at her parents' pool with a great book. Read all about her efforts to stay put on her blog,www.mothering4.com.
