A WARM SUNNY DAY

This winter seemed so very long, and my kids, my husband and I have had major cabin-fever for these cold five-plus months.  I racked my brain all winter for fun things to do, both in the house and on outings, even if just running around the mall for an hour on those really cold days!  We made every craft I could think of, got our money’s worth out of our children’s museum membership, attended story hours at the library, and had numerous play dates with friends.  It still seemed that there were so many hours in the day to entertain the kids and not enough space for them to expend that pent up toddler energy!  

Many times it resulted in the kids fighting, not sharing, and wanting to watch TV or be on the computer for hours on end.  It didn't seem to matter how many toys, games, or books I tried to do with them, and it had made me wonder, "what am I doing wrong?"

I have noticed that since the weather has become more spring-like these last few weeks, I have found that my kids have been happier, more compliant and just plain delightful (which makes for a happier, more compliant and delightful mommy too)! 

Now that the weather has warmed up we all have been finding new, fun, and energy expending things to do.  We are going for daily walks, swinging on the play set, riding bikes, and they are using their incredible imaginations as explorers in the backyard.  My oldest son has found a love for gardening and has been digging holes to plant our annual flowers (sometimes even digging when there are no flowers to plant).  Now, even when there is a rainy day and we are stuck inside, the old “winter stand-by” activities are once again fun.  I realized that what they needed (and what I needed too) was to get out of our four walls, soak in the warm sun, and find new ways to play.  It had nothing to do with anything I was doing wrong!

Moms can jump to doubting our abilities, or questioning ourselves way too quickly.  Sometimes, no matter what we do to improve the situation, it’s beyond our control.  Sometimes we all just need a warm, sunny day!

 
Sincerely,
From the Stork's Nest~
Rebecca