This seemed like a great idea at first glance. So we had a pre-summer pow-wow with our kids and made one of these to boldly display on our kitchen door:
The purpose of the poster was that, by the end of the summer, the children could look back and reminisce on what a fun-filled, active summer they had. And it was also supposed to keep the parents accountable to make the summer fun for 'said' children.
Unfortunately, now we are accountable. And there are quite a few unchecked activities - -which we warned them might happen when they started firing (expensive) ideas at us.
Everyone got to add a few things to the list, including mom and dad. Mine had to do with reading books, and Dad's had to do with yard work...... Because we're older parents..... and our definition of fun doesn't always match up with our kid's. In fact, if we had our way "Go to bed right after dinner" and "Read the newspaper out on the porch" (vs. the kitchen table) would've been right up there.
If it looks like we hardly did anything on the list - it's probably because we used a yellow marker for some of the check marks. And in case our kids are reading this. please note.....Out of 29 items, we completed 14 of them - which is almost 50%. Which is a higher average than you have on doing your chores without being reminded.....or brushing your teeth after each meal....or picking your clothes up after a shower..... Not that we're keeping track.
School started yesterday - which means summer is Officially Over (even though it's 90+ degrees outside and still very light at bedtime.) The poster is coming down - and maybe we'll do it again next year, but with a little realism thrown in.
P.S. I think it's interesting to note that many of the things the kids put on their list were no-cost activities. In fact I think, by far, their most memorable summer activity is the No-Work Saturday. Followed closely by the White pancake breakfast (instead of our normal whole wheat batter). So learn from us, you young parents - - - Make your children's lives semi-miserable to start with....and then almost anything seems fun in comparison :)
12 comments:
Those ideas look like so much fun! I should start making lists like this for us, instead of the same ol' to-do lists every week (although I know you make those, too!).
Just because you're taking the poster down doesn't mean you're ditching the rest of the ideas, does it? Does the fun have to end just because summer is over?? :)
Hi Davene! (Do you know, other than my own obligated family, you're my longest-time reader? Wish I was one of those prize-giving bloggers and I'd send you a blender or something....)
I was actually thinking of doing a Fall Fun poster - - - with things like rake leaves on it. Wouldn't that be a blast for the kids?! The fun doesn't end, but it may take a slightly different turn
I hope you checked off Air soft war and fishing since we did do those! Dado
Dear Anonymous (who I happen to be married to...which makes you slightly less anonymous...),
I did check off fishing, in fact it should have several checks, right?, but I forgot about the air soft war.
Will check off.
Love, Debbie
did i notice correctly that 'bowling with another family' was not checked off? if so, please put us down as your 'other family' - we love to bowl and saturday mornings can be cheap(er).
plus the entertainment you would get from watching us would be so worth it :)
brielle
Thanks for the advice. I think I'm doing o.k. in making life semi-miserable for my kiddos. I shall stay diligent!
This really has nothing to do with this particular post, but Adelaide was sitting on my lap and I started to scroll down and she said "Can I see the donuts?" So I scrolled back up to the header and she stared for a minute. And then I actually started reading and she looked up again and said, "are the donuts all gone?"
A few minutes later... "we can buy some more."
I know we've talked before about your affection for my donuts, Moriah, and I'm glad to see it's being passed down to the next generation.
Debbie,
I'm thrilled by my designation as your Longest-Time Reader OTF (Other Than Family)! A blender would be nice; but if that's not forthcoming, I'll settle for the simple pleasure of reading what you write and gleaning oodles of wisdom amidst the wit and frivolity. I'm already a winner, you see! :)
About the poster...I'm seriously thinking of doing one for winter. Since that season can be one of doldrums for me, I need to make adequate precautions as it approaches. Fortunately for our Winter Fun poster, my boys still think things like "shovel snow" are treats! :)
LOL I love that idea, and your humor ;-)
Debbie, I am all for making life semi miserable for the kids so they think going to the 7eleven for a slurpee (or any other break from the chore)is a big deal.. cause it is. Love the blog and it is making me think of starting my own... now that I have a married daughter and a 6 yo..being stretched is reaching new lengths of elasticity.
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