Last weekend my husband went camping and I made a promise to myself that Jackson and I would have a fun weekend. I even wrote a list of fun things to do, because it’s so “fun” to write lists and be organized, right?
John left Thursday night and I had a plan for the next few days. Friday would be open gym and dinner with friends. Saturday would be breakfast at the local coffee shop, a trip to the Children’s museum and building a tent. Then Saturday night we would watch a movie and have popcorn.
It was such a well thought out plan. It was going to be fun. And Fridays plans did go off pretty well. Open gym was a big hit but the walk with the dog after led to a tantrum. Dinner with friends was excellent, we ordered mexican take out and Jack ate his quesadilla and played with my friends daughter. And my friend and I had some wine and girl scout cookies.
But Saturday Jack woke up in one of his, “I don’t want to go anywhere today” funks. Not even the promise of milk and muffins could persuade him to leave the house. So I skipped to building a tent in the living room which was one of my brother and I’s favorite treats as kids. We loved having a tent to play in. I built the tent using the back of our couch, the dining room chairs and a fitted sheet.
At first it seemed like a success Jack ate lunch in the tent and brought a bunch of his toys in it. Then he said, “Mama, play in my tent with me, I need to go get something”. So I sat down and wait for him to return, and waited and waited until after 20 minutes I realized he wasn’t coming back. I peaked in his playroom and he was sitting in his chair watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.
I went back into the kitchen to make coffee and a few minutes later he came running out, “Mommy, Mommy! Why aren’t you in the tent?”
“Because you never came back”
“But I wanted you there” he said.
And I realized that no matter what I plan, no matter how many pinworthy ideas I come up with what he defines as fun is “mommy (or Daddy) being there” even if “there” is in a tent waiting for him to come back.
Sometimes they definitely have their own ideas on what to do for fun! I love that he wanted you stay in tent, so cute!
Yes they definitely have their own ideas of fun, I frequently have to remind myself of that.
Ha! Too funny. I think I'd take a little nap while I was waiting. 😉
That's what I should have done with the time! I think I was playing with my phone, what a waste, lol.
aww that sounds like something my little one would do!!!
Well I'm glad I'm not alone.
Yes to the nap! Living room forts/tents are the best.
Yes they are the best.
Living room tents are always a big hit at our place too. But I can't believe you waited that long. LOL. Still, so true about fun – as long as mommy/daddy is there, it's always fun!
I think I was playing with my phone and didn't realize how much time had passed.
Your plan sounded SUPER fun if it makes you feel any better about it not happening haha. But yes, anything is fun as long as mommy/daddy are there. Well. Except for things like trips to the dr ;).
Thanks it does make me feel better. It always seems like I'm full of ideas when he doesn't want to do them.
Ha! What's up with kids and this? My son does this too. I try to appreciate the quiet time. 😉
I have no clue why they do that, he makes me come in the playroom and then goes in the living room and watches TV.
Ha! This made me giggle. And I have to admit that I'm with Greta and I'd probably take a little nap too!
I should have taken a nap!
Kids man. They are so not list followers. Which can be a good thing.
Yes it is often a good thing.