I have really been missing my dad recently. For a few reasons, but one being that, while the pandemic would have been really annoying for him, the guy knew how to explore the everyday, and how to find joy in small moments and among good people. But, he's not here. And so I picked up the torch for him for my kids.
A few weeks ago I did a run down on all the shit I was totally over. School is coming for my kids. It's been six months since they had any kind of childcare. Work is piling up.
But, there's still some rules around here. Here's the shit I'm still clinging to in the COVID shit storm.
We're just in it at this point, right? Like, it's all just happening. It's been over four months now since we've had any form of a childcare. It's ...
It's a universal, primal joy for kids, they love picking mixing and creating "potions". It's a great activity at the best of times, but in summer t...
I wish when I was with my kids, I could just focus on them, but it's just not realistic. Work comes in and sometimes it's urgent. I'll shout-out how completely unsustainable this is for any working parent, and I'm honestly still processing how I feel about it all, while trying to keep the house and children vaguely under control, while building two businesses. This summer's going to be tough, but we'll get through it.
Anyway - these are five of our go-to outside activities, that both my kids (one nearly 3, and one 5) will get into for at least 30-40 minutes WITH NO adult intervention. The combination of common activities is what makes these work for my kids.
It gives the kids a more uncommon perspective with familiar play and objects, with enough of a prompt and focus to get more invested in the activity.
There's plenty of times I could strangle my kids (heads up kids - I don't give a shit whose random piece of plastic that is, and no, I don't feel like weighing in on it right now) but really, really, playing with them can remind anyone of the magic of childhood and how amazing those little guys are.
While we were exploring mom "types" last month, we mentioned how much we loathe the hot mess mom "type". There's so many mom stereotypes it's easy ...
What do want to be able to say to your kids? What will they remember about this time? Ask yourself, right now, if you're going to have an answer you're going to be proud of in the future. And if not, why not? One thing I've heard Black and other people of colour say this week, is that white people need to sit in the discomfort of participating in a racist system and admit they've benefited. And then act. So, it's time for my family. Is it for yours?
I'll preface this all with a couple of clarifications. She doesn't swear THAT much, and it's not, like, at me, or at anyone else. She's pretty conv...
Parenthood comes with a lot of unexpected challenges and jobs to do (holy mother of god, so. many. jobs) but it also comes with an incredible bon...
Hopefully our first post on getting your garden all set up was a helpful inspiration! We're pretty dedicated gardeners at our place, for a few rea...
Maybe you're feeling the victory garden vibe this summer, but are also a little put off by the work. We feel that. We've had a vegetable garden for about ten years now, and used container gardens in our apartment in Toronto for a few years before that. We've definitely explored a lot of different things to grow, and ways to grow. Our garden right now, is one the most low maintenance vegetable gardens we've done. And our kids are completely down to hang-out and mess around in it. We're big advocates for free-range sensory play. Partly because it's fun. Partly because it's how we both grew up. And partly (mostly?) because it's WAY easier if your kids know how to just...hang.