Moving beyond the daily grind of life
We’ve all been told ‘‘they grow up so quick’’ so I’ve always been conscious of that and aware how true that is.
As a parent, there can be a lot of daily repetitive grind.
You’ll know what I mean – one day blends into another and they all pass in a blur and before you know it the little beautiful babies you had are borrowing the car keys, swiping booze from the drinks cabinet and calling you new names (which you don’t understand) that they’ve invented for old people.
Routine can be really important for little ones but that often means you end up doing the same thing: getting them up, dressed, breakfast, teeth cleaned, off to preschool, then dinner, baths, teeth, book and bed – all without World War III breaking out. Weekends can provide an opportunity for some variety in the routine but I’ve got Zach and Piper hooked on my pancakes so there’s little chance of altering that.
We’ve all been told ‘‘they grow up so quick’’ so I’ve always been conscious of that and aware how true that is.
That reality was brought home this week when someone’s primary school enrolment pack appeared on the table. It’s not something we’d given too much thought to because it’s aaaaaaaaaages until Zach is five. Right? Yeah nah. He’s five in October. Five. In five months.
School visits have been booked – ‘‘in September daddy!’’ – and we’ll have to start thinking about what happens when he finishes school and who picks him up.
School hours don’t quite suit for working parents, do they?
So even though our two are growing like weeds, I’m trying hard to spend as much time with them as possible (before they get to the point that parents aren’t cool). A change in roles at work means I’m out the door, on time, almost every day and home by 5.30pm. Suddenly that creates an extra hour – or more – a day with them and I think we’re starting to see improvements in behaviour (possibly).
I like to spend that extra time with a bit of wrestling and bonding, but we’ve also moved into some hide-and-seek . . . at which they are terrible. They tend to hide in the same place but at least they act surprised when they are found/find each other. It’s quite endearing to watch.
We’ve also had some great days out and about – Southland is a fantastic place to play in autumn.
We’re quite relaxed about them playing outside when the weather isn’t quite perfect – we’re not bothered if they get muddy as long as they’re having fun. Even thought Zach hates getting his pants wet or dirty – I’m not sure why, because we’re not bothered.
They watch a bit of Peppa Pig and her favourite thing is jumping in muddy puddles . . . which is now my daughter’s favourite thing. Well that and being a ninja.
The key for a fun day out is not worrying about the weather. Unless it’s really bucketing down, there’s still plenty of fun to be had if it’s a bit windy or cold. There’s no such thing in our house as bad weather, just bad clothing. They get wrapped up and we head out, even if it’s just to scrunch leaves in Queens Park.
We had a great trip to Bluff recently. Mum was working so the A-Team headed off for a treasure hunt. We wandered along a track near Stirling Pt, visited the little lighthouse and walked on a sandy beach. It didn’t seem like too much to me but they really enjoyed it – even though it was blowing a gale.
The key to a successful day out is doing something they enjoy and, of course, timing – you want to wear them out just enough so they’re tired and fall asleep easily but not too much that they turn feral. Thankfully I nailed it that day. Whether I’m that lucky the next time will, I’m sure, be another column.
Mark Hotton is a journalist and father of two who could do with spending a bit more time doing some exercise, but has decided that 20 minutes of rough ‘n’ tumble with a 2- and 4-year-old qualifies as exertion.