here we are now, entertain us
There's been a misunderstanding.
My kids have mistaken me for Julie the Cruise Director.
Actually, they have no idea who Julie McCoy is - as non-Love Boat aficionados, which is right and good - and when I state such claims, I see a look pass between them, a tally of further evidence that their dear ol' mom just ain't right.
But no bother. I am weary of their high expectations every afternoon, when they get off the bus and ask: What are we going to do today?
(What happened to 'I'm hungry'? I'm starting to miss those days.)
I'm not sure how this came about. We live pretty average lives. When I start to tell them what my plans are, most afternoons - I'm going to fold laundry, and listen to my book on CD, and start dinner, and pack lunches, and read with them - I'm met with such disappointment, as if every day should be rainbows and playdates and cocktails and trips to exotic lands.
(There's some wishful thinking, mid-January, mixed in there for myself, I admit it.)
So, they are bored. I'm okay with it. I say: read, draw, play your cello, and occasionally expect there will be a date with friends, a rented movie, shrinky dinks.
They might as well learn to entertain themselves now, to occupy their minds, instead of waiting for someone else to fill it for them - shape their thoughts, fill their hours.
I can take a hint. We have cleared the decks, so to speak. We will be building more routine back into our weeks, now that we are here - forever? for now? - to stay.
And doesn't seem fitting that they can take all that passion, that excitement and put it directly into the first thing on the docket: Drama Club.
Sure beats shuffle board...
I love using Sharpies, making a Vampire/Goth mobile. (I still need to fix the wires. It didn't turn out as planned.)
The kids also traced images I printed from Google, for their friends. I intended to do more last Monday, but we used the wrong plastic and it ended badly.
You should give it a try, the next time you feel like taking on a retro project with the kids. Scribbit has easy directions, here.
(And her mobile is lovely. Call me Julie the Jealous.)
My kids have mistaken me for Julie the Cruise Director.
Actually, they have no idea who Julie McCoy is - as non-Love Boat aficionados, which is right and good - and when I state such claims, I see a look pass between them, a tally of further evidence that their dear ol' mom just ain't right.
But no bother. I am weary of their high expectations every afternoon, when they get off the bus and ask: What are we going to do today?
(What happened to 'I'm hungry'? I'm starting to miss those days.)
I'm not sure how this came about. We live pretty average lives. When I start to tell them what my plans are, most afternoons - I'm going to fold laundry, and listen to my book on CD, and start dinner, and pack lunches, and read with them - I'm met with such disappointment, as if every day should be rainbows and playdates and cocktails and trips to exotic lands.
(There's some wishful thinking, mid-January, mixed in there for myself, I admit it.)
So, they are bored. I'm okay with it. I say: read, draw, play your cello, and occasionally expect there will be a date with friends, a rented movie, shrinky dinks.
They might as well learn to entertain themselves now, to occupy their minds, instead of waiting for someone else to fill it for them - shape their thoughts, fill their hours.
I can take a hint. We have cleared the decks, so to speak. We will be building more routine back into our weeks, now that we are here - forever? for now? - to stay.
And doesn't seem fitting that they can take all that passion, that excitement and put it directly into the first thing on the docket: Drama Club.
Sure beats shuffle board...
*****
We did make Shrinky-Dinks at Christmas time. Yes, we.
I love using Sharpies, making a Vampire/Goth mobile. (I still need to fix the wires. It didn't turn out as planned.)The kids also traced images I printed from Google, for their friends. I intended to do more last Monday, but we used the wrong plastic and it ended badly.You should give it a try, the next time you feel like taking on a retro project with the kids. Scribbit has easy directions, here.
(And her mobile is lovely. Call me Julie the Jealous.)
Comments
That's sarcasm, in case you weren't sure.
A few ideas I'm sure you've already used:
internet scavenger hunt - give them a list of images or questions to answer
geography bee and tripadvisor knowledge questions
http://www.freerice.com/
having art supplies on hand
Oh, geez, I'm already exhausted after this short time. You have my deepest sympathy.
That's totally sincere, in case you couldn't tell.
Now THAT should spark some creativity. I hope so.
(They do play with each other quite well, often with no toys, just acting stuff out. But lately, the ante has been raised. I'm not sure why.)
Running through my head since I read this post yesterday but had no time to comment.
I am sure our parents were not nearly as involved as planning our entertainment as we are with our offspring.
Like the approach you are taking.
Shrinky Dinks are awesome, though. Maybe I should keep them on hand. For when my audio book is over. :-)