We were supposed to go camping but some last minute cancellations by some folks led to the cancellation of camping itself. I actually wanted a slow weekend just to catch up with chores and work. And sleep. So that's just what we are doing. Sleeping late till the morning, lots of cuddling, reading books, playing, coloring, TV etc.
Yesterday we went to a birthday party. We don't have too many birthday parties to attend, our circle is small but still it is kinda boring, for parents. I am waiting for JSK to grow up so we can just drop her and take some time off. I had no interest in small talk. It was super hot. We helped with food and stuff so we were one of the first to arrive at the event. JSK had fun. Some posh people make me feel insecure but I didn't care today. Watched all the first kids very reserved and too pampered, including JSK. I wondered if we are spoiling our kids. But what choice do we have. JSK has a small circle. Parents always give in. How will she learn the complex dynamics when it comes to peers. I don't know because I too suck at it. Bringing up a child is not easy. Especially when you are not a good role model yourself.
Evening RT stopped by for an impromptu play date. JSK was hyper. We have to teach her to be nice to her friends and not get angry. She knows the theory, about anger, but still needs more practice ;--P
Good friend J called. She is ready for her second child. It was nice to talk to her. Reminded me of the carefree college days. I could have enjoyed my college days more. I was so stuck up. I had zero social skills. That's why I want JSK to be a normal child. Enjoy childhood, enjoy teen years, enjoy college years, with no pressure of having to perform or 'make parents proud'. DH's philosophy is rubbing off on me, but I think it is the right way to go. I don't want her to think she is special or anything. And she is not. Apparently Indian kids are above average most times. Thank god JSK has settled well into her school. Likes her teachers. I like their simple projects. And I feel she is learning better. And the curriculum feels more age appropriate. How to strike the right balance without being overly protective and over researching and giving the right kind of education to your child? I think DH has it right and I am grateful for that. We make a good team. He is grounded in old values, no electronics, lot of play and I want some electronics so she is not too lost in the sea of iPhone savvy kids.
Today we went to a picnic by the lake. Gah it was the most boring picnic ever, the one where guys play cricket and gals sit and watch.. And talk about kids and schools. Kids had fun. I wanted to laze so I guess it was okay. But oh so boring. I took an opportunity to step out and go to Toyrus to help someone. JSK took time to warm up but after that she was fine. It is slowly sinking on me .. If JSK is the worst behaved kid ;--P may be we are bad parents. I need to seriously spend some time teaching her some good manners. God help me.
Also I am over the stage where I keep taking pics of JSK. She is four and times up. Now when I watch parents take pics in birthday parties and other places, it feels so.. Odd and silly. Been there so I shouldnt judge, but just saying. I am reminded of this one 8 year old asking me why I have a pic of my broken toe nail ;--P. Did I mention that here? Both my toe nails are .. Gone I guess. They became loose in Nepal, bulging out rather scarily. Toes were constantly hitting the hard front of the hiking shoes when walking downhill. In India the doc asked me to come to take the nails off. And I didn't go. In Europe one nail almost came off and I stuck it on and completed the trip. ;--P. Back home, one came off soon enough and the second one came off quick after. And my nails aren't growing yet. So my feet look uglier than ever. Back to the point I think I took the pic to show DH. Now I am over taking pictures everywhere I go. I guess the 8 year old is more sensible than me.
I wanted to get a lot of work done. I got a little bit done. And I enjoyed the weekend laziness. Once in a while we need to have such weekends. We spent some quality time together, in no hurry to be anywhere, which was great. I could have skipped the picnic ;--P and lazed around at home. It was the kind of folks that have no life beyond work and school. Not interesting personalities. Playing a little cricket is their way to blow off some steam. May be it was me and I didn't feel like putting in some effort to socialize. May be I came across as boring to them. Oh well.
JSK had a play date with her friend after, it was long expected by both of them. She came home, ate and retired to sleep. She didn't want to sleep. She wanted to keep talking. She wanted to sleep with Appa. Then she wanted to read a book. I was very patient with her, because I was relaxed. her stubbornness can rile the most patient of parents to lose it. I have seen it happen! Then I was strict in a totally calm way, asked her to sleep. Because she can make you go on and on and get what she wants, talking! I knew she was super tired. 5minutes after I was bad that I was strict. So I went to kiss her. She was already half asleep. I whispered I love you. And she said 'me too' and have me a hug. That's enough baby. That's enough for me to do everything possible to adjust my temperament and give you a happy stress free childhood. You may be difficult but you are my child after all!
|
