Goodbye Preschool, Hello Park Season

Preschool ended about 2 weeks ago.  It seems like only yesterday that I got three hours, thrice weekly of time for myself.  Time to clean, organize, exercise, do laundry.....or more realistically check Facebook.  And then Pinterest. And then recheck Facebook.

So, maybe not a time of optimum productivity, but still nine very beloved hours per week.

Now, we return to summer.  Or as I like to call it: "Park Season".

I know some parents out there absolutely hate taking their kids to parks.  For some reason, I don't mind at all.  You've got the sun on your back, wind in your hair.  I can ignore the occasionally grit of sand in my teeth.  What I do mind though, is lack of park etiquette from other parents.  Let's consider some basic ground rules.

1.  Who's the Boss-
Many working parents bring their children to the playground in the early evening hours.  That is great.  Only, sometimes instead of changing into sweatpants or umbros, they decide to keep on their boss pants.  By that, I mean they act like they are still in the office by policing children that are not their own.  You see, I am a SAHM (stay-at-home-mom) and the park is kind of my "office".  I practically own this place with the hours I've logged here, but you don't see me flexing.  I know this place like the back of my hand and can be a real asset to you.  You may not know, but sometimes there are hidden dangers for parents at the park.  Like the caterpillar tube.  If you are above 4 feet tall you will get stuck and have to plant your face to the ground to wiggle free. Trust me, I know.

2.  Parenting for Beginners-
Get off your phone.  Maybe not the whole time, because as stated earlier, I understand the necessity to check Facebook.  Just be generally aware of where your child/children are and what they are doing.  I stand firm by this rule, but it should be noted that I have smart phone envy.  My flippy phone isn't quite the beaut it once was, back in the early 2000's. 

3.  Have fun-
Just relax.  Try to enjoy yourself and your kids a little bit.  They are only young once and will soon stop asking you to play with them.  Watch them.  Really observe them.  Notice how much joy they get out of the simplest things.  I know, I know, I know.  Sometimes they can be mini Mussolini's, but pay attention when they are not.  Children are a gift, and sometimes you need to slow down and remind yourself why.

Though I look forward to the return of preschool,  I will keep in mind that these times are fleeting.  I would say that I will stop and smell the roses, but lets face it, nothing about little boys smells like roses.  And keep repeating my mantra:

"Everyday is one day closer to preschool."