Mother’s Morning Out to the Rescue.
Posted on | June 26, 2012 | 7 Comments
I’ve had an increasingly difficult time keeping Sully occupied. And honestly? An increasingly difficult time enjoying him. He’s hit that “sweet spot” of toddler terror, and most days I’m ready to pull out my hair by 10:00AM.
He is freaking brilliant. He can be incredibly sweet. He is a daddy’s boy to the core, and he calls me “Princess Mommy” and gives the best hugs in the world.
But he also pushes his brother, throws toys, slams his body to the ground in fits of rage, and refuses to listen when he’s decided he’s over it (whatever “it” may be at that moment). This isn’t a call for crafts and lessons and parenting books. Believe me. I’m well-prepared in that area. Sometimes, it doesn’t matter what the experts say and what the super moms do to keep their toddlers in check. Sometimes, you just need a damn break.
Enter, Mother’s Morning Out.
We found a program at a local church. It isn’t a Catholic program (much to my Nana’s dismay), but it’s run by a small church in one of the most beautiful areas of town. Since I called several months ago, I managed to get him in on the program. Y’all, you would not believe the competition to get into these programs. You would think they are the segue to Ivy League, when in reality, they are just finger painting and serving up peaches and Cheerios, but I digress. He’s in, I’m thrilled, and things are about to change.
I woke him up this morning and told him he was going to school. “YAY! School day, Sully! You’re going to have so much fun, and nice old ladies will take you on walks and help you paint!” All he heard was, “Ladies,” and repeated the rest of the morning that he was going to see “the ladies.” Cool enough. So I snapped the obligatory “First Daycare Picture,” fed him breakfast, and loaded his little butt up for the drop off zone.
This is the first time he’s been to a “school.” The gym day care doesn’t exactly count as they usually just pop in a movie and throw some toys on the ground. I was amazed at how clean and fun it looked. Seriously, if I wasn’t so desperate for some time away from toddlers, I probably would have sat down and played too. Instead, I high-tailed in out of there as soon as I filled out the rest of the paperwork, realized that Sully was happy as a clam, and snatched up the emergency numbers.
When I came to pick him up a couple hours later, he didn’t want to leave. “The ladies” said he had a wonderful time and was an angel.
Proof your children will always behave better for someone else.
But I really think this is going to be a good thing for Sully AND for me. He was played out and ready for a nap when he got him. His brother got some time without him pulling toys away, and I got the chance to sit down and read and get some work done without feeling guilty because he was bored and wanted my attention. Usually, I only get a brief afternoon period for “me time”, and I almost always fill it with chores. While Arlo rested, it was amazing to have some time to get things done that I actually wanted to do.
So, maybe I’m a mean mommy for being happy my kid is in a healthy, fun environment five hours a week. Maybe I’m mean for being glad to drop him off and let someone else run out some energy. But I’ll be damned if this isn’t one of the best decisions we have made so far in our parenting journey.
Comments
7 Responses to “Mother’s Morning Out to the Rescue.”
"I'm a twenty-five-year old mama to two little boys and married to the love of my life. I have a serious Diet Coke addiction and a tendency to overshare. My biggest dream is to write a book. A good book that tons of people buy and relate to and love. In the mean time, this is the story of us as we flounder through raising our wild, little boys, moving a million times, and buying and renovating our 1968 Ranch home."
Exploits of a Military Mama
Archives
Need to find something?
Feed me!
June 26th, 2012 @ 1:30 pm
You are a great Mommy … not to mention a smart one who sees the need for her child to experience the joy of time away from Mommy and Beebab a few hours a week… So happy he had a good time !!!!! He is ready for this break so dont let anyone make you feel bad… you my love have “mommied” beautifully and done it alone for a long time as well when Tay was deployed…. I say kiss the Beebab,paint your toes,read ..do whatever you want while Sully experiences “school” everyone will be better for it! xoxoxoxo
June 26th, 2012 @ 3:29 pm
I wouldn’t have a single ounce of guilt, girl! Just as parents need a break from children, so do kids from the parents! It’s nice that they get to experience a different routine from their normal one and get to interact with other child in a structured environment. And, most importantly? I feel it’s really great when kids start to learn how to respect and obey authority figures from an early age. I also think it’s wonderful that Arlo gets to spend some one-on-one time with you, as well. I had that with each of my kids and I’m so thankful that I did. Sully having his own thing going on will make him excited to see you when you go and pick him up and give you a renewed sense of love and excitment when going to pick him up! Win-win!
June 26th, 2012 @ 3:52 pm
I wouldnt worry a second about you needing you time..because he is probably thrilled to be around other kids for a little while.
June 26th, 2012 @ 4:07 pm
there is a reason I love being a working mom… although its work, I love the time to myself to just be “Kim” and not mommy. … I dont know how you have survived so long without!!
June 26th, 2012 @ 4:10 pm
Sounds amazing. I wish my son didn’t have some separation anxiety issues because I need something like this. Mostly because my son gets bored with me. He needs a new scene and some kids to play with! I think that sounds awesome! It’ll be really good for Sully.
June 29th, 2012 @ 6:15 am
I think you will feel like a better mommy for it! It took me a long time to admit that I enjoyed some time alone because I thought it made me a bad mother for wanting to be away from my child and partner and just do my things. I eventually realised the time we spent together, although a lot of it, it wasn’t real quality time because I was tired, stressed out or just plain grumpy cos there was so much I wanted to do. Now when we spend time together it’s full of fun and interest and happiness because I get time to chill out! Well done for taking you time, it’s the best thing you will do! xxx
July 3rd, 2012 @ 7:41 pm
You are a fabulous mom! Enjoy your peace and quiet!