It always happens. I have just finished a three hour flight with Bounce and Builder. The chime has sounded and everyone, especially Builder is ready to get off the plane. No, really, Builder sees no reason he is not the first off the plane because, uuhmm..he wants off! The aisle-mate across from me stands up and says, "Your boys just seem so nice and well-behaved."
I grin from ear-to-ear because 1. I never hear this compliment anywhere else-ever. 2. 2 mini-bottles will do that. I smile and say, "That's why I travel." "They are much better behaved away from home. And so am I."
We have always traveled with our children. The way I see it, it is much easier to parent with other people than by yourself. You can be the type of mom you would be if you only had to "watch" your kids. In other words, you get to be a just a nanny while on vacation; at home, you are the cleaning lady, the cook, the dog-walker, the scretary, the grocery shopper, the constant picker-up-er-er, etc.
The children respond likewise when they know you are, to quote Oprah, "present" with them. Instead of mentally tabulating the 55 "things to do by the next hour", you can actually play and really listen to them. On vacation, the kids determine the activities of the day; thus happy kids. Happy kids=Happy Mom and vice-versa.
No comments:
Post a Comment