Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Getting out...too much or too little?

Crunchy Mama and I were talking recently about the differences between the kids in our families.  We both have kids who like lots of extra activity and others who prefer a more peaceful existence.  It is hard to strike a balance when I plan out our week.  How much do we get out?

Nathan and I would love to run all our errands on one big day and be done with it.  This simply doesn't work well for all the kids.  They don't like to go somewhere every day, but they most certainly DO NOT enjoy an all day errand run. 

Along these same lines is the kids who thrive on extra activity and those who melt at the prospect.   My question to you is this, how do you handle the different needs of different children to get out and experience other things?  If I try to strike a balance I feel like I am making more kids unhappy than I am making kids happy (i.e.  if we are out too much one day the next day at home is still off for those home bodies).  Any tried and true advice?

2 comments:

The Road Scholar said...

I don't consider this advice, just what happens here.

If the momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. I am a "homebody", plain and simple. My kids rely on Dad or others to get out for their "activities". Dad loves to run errands after work and the kids love to go with him. I love the peace and quiet. I also have a close wonderful friend that offered to take my three oldest kids to the pool when she goes so they would have friends to play with. I bought the pool passes, but I get to stay home with the three little ones (usually during nap time) and it's bliss.

We recently started doing more regular play dates with another family who's kids match up to mine almost perfectly. It's been a big step outside my comfort zone to make that happen, but it is an exception I have made because I just love hanging out with their mom.

Also, this is why I have book clubs AT my house. That way I do not have to go running around.

Crunchy Momma said...

Road, I love that as I tend to be a home body myself. You are so very lucky to have such a good friend to take your kiddos to the pool and a hubby that is available for errands.