And there doesn't have to be any sort of a fancy reason either - no reason required.
Yesterday I found myself with a small chunk of time alone with my little scientist. With 5 kids, alone time is precious, and very much a priority. I know, I've said that many times before, but I really believe that one on one - making time for it no matter what is one of the best things we can do as parents.
And so here we were alone, and I thought to myself - it's a day for hot chocolate. With whip cream. And the scientist pipes up with the fact that he knows where some marshmallows are hidden ;) Ahem.
Then I remembered that there was still a little jar of those maraschino cherries in the fridge. The ones that make me cringe at the amount of dye in them, but that as a special treat can seriously make a child's day ;)
Then I remembered that there was still a little jar of those maraschino cherries in the fridge. The ones that make me cringe at the amount of dye in them, but that as a special treat can seriously make a child's day ;)
Next thing you know we had a plan. Hot Chocolate Deluxe, Grilled Cheese sandwiches (still immensely satisfying after 3 years of no dairy in the house ) and a game of Goblet (kind of a complicated version of tic tac toe - sort of ...)
There is a certain smile, and air of contented calm that comes over my kids when we have alone time. Even a short little bit is enough to show a difference in the little ( or big) one.
I aim for a whole day with each child on a regular basis, but even a little bit of time is something I'm grateful for and will jump at an opportunity for. I've even been known to give up my own alone time when a little one gave me that puppy dog look and a "please can we have some alone time?"
I really love all the possible combinations in a large family - the dynamic is so different with each combination. We often will split up - with some kids going off with dad, and some with me. It's a little less busy, a little less chaotic- and well it's just different :) And now that my oldest babysits there are even more possible combinations - and even the possibility for a mom and dad solo expedition too ;)
And no - you don't have to have hot chocolate..... but it sure is fun :)
There is a certain smile, and air of contented calm that comes over my kids when we have alone time. Even a short little bit is enough to show a difference in the little ( or big) one.
I aim for a whole day with each child on a regular basis, but even a little bit of time is something I'm grateful for and will jump at an opportunity for. I've even been known to give up my own alone time when a little one gave me that puppy dog look and a "please can we have some alone time?"
I really love all the possible combinations in a large family - the dynamic is so different with each combination. We often will split up - with some kids going off with dad, and some with me. It's a little less busy, a little less chaotic- and well it's just different :) And now that my oldest babysits there are even more possible combinations - and even the possibility for a mom and dad solo expedition too ;)
And no - you don't have to have hot chocolate..... but it sure is fun :)
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