small things #39 ... quiet afternoons
We are one week into summer break and it's kinda loud and rowdy around here.
And that's quite an adjustment.
I am used to one o'clock rolling around and helping my little ones trundle off for nap time. We read a couple of books while snuggled on the couch and then I deposit my three little people with their loveys in their comfy beds. And then I clock out for a bit.
With a glass of sweet tea at hand I enjoy an hour of me-time, quiet-time, hush-time, no-loud-talking-or-yelling-time. I have a chance to recharge for the afternoon, read my Bible devotion and write a bit. When my babies begin to stir, I've had some peaceful time to myself and I'm ready to jump into the afternoon.
That hasn't been happening as much as I'd like lately. Nope ... not really at all.
It's not just that the big kids are home, it's that they are home (sometimes with friends) and the little people want to be up and playing with them. All. Day. Long. Nap? Who needs a nap?!
I have done my best to be firm with our schedule and routine, but it's just not quite the same as when they aren't here. Even with our mandatory reading and writing hour, they still talk and walk around a lot more than sleeping kids do! I guess that's kind of a no-brainer ... but it's still requiring a shift in my attitude.
Rather than grumbling my way through my summer afternoons in the midst of repeated, "Mom, do you want to read what I just wrote" requests, "Shriek, Squeal! Oops - we woke the baby" episodes and "How much longer until I can get up?" appeals, I know that I need to let go a bit of my quiet expectations and embrace this time with me kids.
But I'm still going to miss the quiet.
Quiet afternoons ... delightful me-time during the school year but so very elusive come summer-time!
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#5 - What about school do you miss the most? What do you mean you all won't sit silently with a book for the next two hours?!?!
I hope they transition quickly so you get some peace back. Maybe you need to break down and rent something from Redbox every once in a while to help motivate quiet time. They lie down quietly, watching the movie. You take your quiet time in another room. Or maybe there is another mother in the neighborhood that you could swap kid time with. It doesn't solve the problem for every day, but maybe once a week is better than nothing.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
Popped in from SITS! Is there a mother's day out you could try?
ReplyDeleteI hear you! Definitely extra chaos. Don't forget to schedule a little me time in at least a couple of times during the summer...or it could get ugly:)
ReplyDeleteMichelle
http://normalchaosforamultitaskmom.blogspot.com/2012/06/name-game.html
Good luck with the adjustment!! Take care of yourself, too! ;)
ReplyDeleteI have two weeks before my children out out for Summer break. Fortunately, they are now big kids so, they really do not need me to supervise. I agree with everyone else . . . make sure that you take some me time.
ReplyDeleteMy guy is beginning to fight the nap and it's not the me-time I miss but the opportunity for mommy to catch up on her sleep.
ReplyDeleteLIsaDay
Reading and writing time...I love it! What a great phrase to hear: "Mom, do you want to hear what I wrote?" Definitely a time to embrace! :D
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your SITS day!
Lemon Drop Pie
Happy Sits day! Our kids don't get out until June 15th!
ReplyDeleteHappy SITS Day!! My kids don't get out until June 15th!
ReplyDeleteI remember all too well when my little ones stopped napping...I didn't quite no what to do with myself. However, I quickly adopted a 'quiet' time around here...just so that there was a little bit of peace. Although school studies (we home-school) now often replace this quiet time, I am still able to sneak away while they are contently playing, or (gasp) watching a movie to do some writing or yoga. You will find your groove, so that during the summer you will be able to fit in some 'me' time. Good luck, and Happy SITS day to you!
ReplyDelete