One of the more challenging aspects of h/schooling at times is being with your children every moment of every day. As much as I adore my children, my personality sits on the border between introversion and extraversion, which to me means that although I need time with people, I also need time by myself. And time by myself is very hard to come by...one of the harder parts of h/schooling. I have Thursday evenings out and to myself, pretty much every week, which I love, but otherwise I'm with the kids 24/7 (and yes, even usually at nighttime because there's almost always a kid sleeping in our room). And I have to note, as I have before, that I have very loud children (particularly #3 and #2, in that order)...very. very. loud.
So for all you parents out there who h/school your children, enjoy the vacation highlights below. I could relate to most of them, but not really to three of them: #6 (because my kids haven't napped for years); #10 (because even when my kids are in the bathroom, usually the door's open and they're talking/singing/yelling about some thing or another); and to #13 (because our mail box is right outside the front door.
My favourites, and the ones I can relate most to are: #1 (ahh....yes...doesn't happen often because I have two early risers, but when it does...); #2 (I laughed at this because I've never voiced how much I enjoy pumping gas for this reason): #9 (so true...it's amazing how one can stretch this out!); and #14 (happens every night around 9:30/9:45pm)
Here's the link: 14 Vacations Parents Take Every Day
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14 “Vacations” Parents Take Every Day
Going to the supermarket without your kids feels like a week in Jamaica.
posted on Jan. 22, 2015, at 1:05 p.m.
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Those eight minutes before your kids come barreling into the kitchen asking for breakfast are yours and yours alone!
2. Pumping gas.
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The 90 seconds when your kids are inside the car and you’re outside of it offer a wonderful chance to unwind. Take a deep breath (but not too deep because, you know, gas) and let your troubles fade away.
3. Being on hold with the bank.
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Your kids generally know to leave you alone when you’re on the phone, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the feedback-y version of “Waterfalls.”
4. Waiting in line without your kids.
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That long line at the pharmacy is a welcome respite from the world if your kids are at home with someone else. Enjoy the piped-in ’90s soft rock as it drowns out the persistent cough of the guy behind you!
5. When your kid thinks they’re in trouble.
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Your chaotic home will be transformed into a center of relaxation as your suddenly quiet kid tip-toes around you!
6. Nap time.
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The moment your baby falls asleep feels as freeing as dipping your feet into the water at Waikiki Beach. Just don’t get trapped under your baby or your entire mini-vacation will happen in the same place!
7. The six minutes after your kid opens a new toy.
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Those precious moments before your kid tosses the toy aside and demands your attention are yours to enjoy any way you wish! Get creative!
8. When a new episode of your kids’ favorite show is on.
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For the next half hour you’ll feel as if you’re in a Parisian cafe as you drink coffee and surf the web. You might even try to read a few pages of a book!
9. Going to the bathroom.
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Granted, most trips to the bathroom are punctuated by visits from your kids asking for a snack, but in those rare occurrences you’re left alone this is 100% “me time!”
10. When your kid goes to to the bathroom.
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This is a glorious opportunity to take care of yourself, but be forewarned: The mini-vacation can end abruptly when your kid yells, “Mommy/Daddy! I need help!”
11. A trip to the supermarket without your kids.
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Casually strolling the aisles without once having to yell, “PUT THAT BACK!” is nearly as relaxing as a spa day in Napa Valley. Treat yourself to a free sample!
12. When your kid thinks they’re getting away with something.
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You know they’re playing on your iPad after you said it was off-limits, but they’re doing it so quietly that you don’t care. Enjoy the tranquility!
13. Getting the mail.
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Once the front door closes behind you you’ve got 15 child-free steps to the mailbox to enjoy! And then — bonus — 15 more steps back inside!
14. After your kids have gone to sleep.
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Assuming you don’t have to spend this time doing all the stuff you couldn’t get done during the day because your kids were all up in your business, you can kick back like you’re riding a gondola through the Venice canals! Rejoice!
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