Things I'm Thankful My Kids Can Do
My favorite podcast is currently “The Mom Hour”. They talk about parenting and life. The topics are always interesting. The hosts are grounded and realistic. I can’t recommend it enough. Since I don’t have my commute, I lost a lot of podcast time - but this is one that I make time for while I’m doing stuff in the house. Please check them out and support them!
They did a great episode awhile back about things they were thankful their kids were able to do right now, and things their kids need to work on. I thought it was such an interesting subject, and it really got me thinking about the things that I’m thankful for right now - in this stage of life. (Part 2 is coming next week - things we’re still working on.)
Dominic is 7 and a first grader. Zachary is 3 and was enrolled in preschool until March. I’ve been thinking a lot about where we were a year ago. Life has changed as the kids have gotten older and I’m so glad we’re going through this social distancing with kids who are just a little older than last year.
We’re finally out of diapers. I don’t need to change anyone. There are still some accidents - but they are few and far between.
I can’t even imagine doing this self-isolation and trying to coordinate diaper delivery. And having to change a baby. It’s one less thing we need to deal with. Actually, if Zach hadn’t potty trained in December we’d probably be trying to do it now (he’ll be 4 in September) and that’s one hassle I don’t need right now.
Dominic can shower by himself - and Zach can hop in there with just a little help from us reaching in.
We’ve started moving away from baths. The kids just make a friggin mess. Water gets everywhere, and eventually someone starts crying because of god-knows-what. Also, Dominic is super tall and it’s too hard to get them both in there - oh, and he’s getting older. Lots of reasons. But Dominic is now totally capable of taking a shower by himself. Zach likes to get in there, but we need to reach our hands in to wash him up and make sure he’s rinsed well. It certainly makes life a lot easier.
The kids can clean up or do little things around the house
I can send Zachary out to the recycling bin to throw something away. I can send either (or both) to the mailbox. When we make them, they’re capable of cleaning up toys before bed. I can ask Dominic to please get clothes for him and his brother. If Zachary has an accident, he can go to his room and get new underwear and pants.
Everyone can take a little alone time
When we’re at the end of a long week, the kids can and grown-ups can all take a little time to retreat into our own spaces for a little alone time. That may be playing in their rooms, TV, tablet, whatever. We can all take a little downtime. As I write this, Dennis is reading on his phone on the couch, Zach is watching “Cars”, and Dominic is watching his own thing on his tablet in my closet. Doesn’t mean we’ll let them do it all day - but when it’s been a long week and the weather is rainy, it’s nice to know I can offer to let everyone retreat and recharge.
I can trust the kids in the backyard while I’m in the house doing a little work or in the kitchen (as long as the windows are open and I can hear/see them)
This has been huge as I’m trying to work at home. I remember it being a gamechanger for Dominic when he was about 3.5-4, and it’s certainly a gamechanger now. I can send them into the backyard and they stay there to play. I can prepare lunch, get dinner started, or get a little work done for my job - all while they get outdoor time. They (mostly) stay within their boundaries, and it helps me a lot. I feel so happy that I can take the time to cook something without making them come inside on a beautiful day. We totally weren’t there last year - I never could have let Zach outside without me right there. But these days he plays on the swing and the playset and with toys outside.
Everyone sleeps
My kids have always been good sleepers at night. Zach hasn’t napped since shelter-in-place, but he has been sleeping really late in the morning (he’s loving not getting up at 5:45 for school!). We put them to bed at night and they mainly stay there until morning. Dominic comes down with questions sometimes, but it’s usually lights out.
Everyone sleeps in - and sometimes the grown-ups can sleep “late”
Dominic is old enough that I tell him not to wake me up unless there’s an emergency. I’ve given him a tutorial on how to use the toaster. I’ve told him not to use the stove or oven. But he can make a frozen waffle and get a drink and play downstairs with toys or his tablet. He’s a natural early riser. Like if he sleeps past 7 we’re really happy - no matter what time he goes to bed. This will serve him as he gets older, but until somewhat recently it’s been hard on us because someone had to get up with him. No longer. He’s very self-sufficient in the mornings. And lately Zachary has woken up on weekend mornings and just trotted downstairs to see what Dominic is doing - and he starts to amuse himself too. Now I need to train them on how to brew coffee! Disclaimer - “late” means we sleep until 8:00am.
Everyone can communicate effectively
So Zach is 3. He’s really into his feelings right now. It seems like things set him off constantly. But. He can communicate to use with words about the problem. That doesn’t mean he’s being reasonable, or that we can explain why he’s being unreasonable. But he can tell us why he’s so upset or angry. And that helps life a lot.
Everyone is self-sufficient
If someone needs a snack I can say “go grab something - and ask your brother what he wants”. If someone is thirsty they can get a drink themselves. Actually, last week I was exercising in the basement while the kids were playing/watching tv upstairs and Dominic decided he was ready for lunch (at 10:30) and made PBJ for him and his brother. I was too impressed to be mad that they were doing lunch so early. Everyone dresses themselves. They put their laundry in the hamper. Dominic helps clear the table.
They understand I’m working
This has been huge these past 2 months. If I’m in the middle of an email, or trying to do a virtual meet with my students, my own children can understand that I’m working. Zach kind of gets it. I can ask him to hang on because I’m doing my job and he can say “okay” and wait. Dominic totally gets it. I made a point to explain to Dominic that my phone is out a lot because I’m answering questions from my students. He’s a bright kid and he understands. But I want to make sure he knows I’m not spending our walk to the horse farm playing a game on my phone - I’m being the teacher and writing a message to a student. It’s been super helpful.
What about you? If you’re a parent, what are you thankful your kids can mange?
