How many of you drive your kid across town or to another community to practice only to have to turn around and go pick them up after just a few minutes at home?? Baseball practice for my oldest is 45 minutes away so with a two hour practice, I found that its better to stay put on the other side of town rather than drive back and forth. Here are some benefits of staying close to practice or even parking at practice and walking places once there. 1) gas usage 2) traffic headaches 3) quality time for yourself or 4) quality time with another child.
Gas. You save it if you stay put. Hmm. Not much more to say here.
Traffic headaches. It always happens. You are just 10 minutes away from picking up your kid and WHAM! traffic jam, construction or just plain slow drivers. Instead of getting road rage, just stay put at the facility and avoid the headaches. It can be a great way to unwind even if its staying in your car to read which takes me to the next one...
Quality Time for yourself. I use the time at the park to take a walk, ride my bike, write a letter (remember those things you used to send your grandparents that you put stamps on?) We always feel like we don't have enough time to exercise or get moving, well an hour of walking or biking twice a week gets you a lot closer to your exercise goals than sitting in a moving car. I have also been known to slip in errands to my favorite stores or to get my nails done. This allows you time to yourself without feeling like you are missing out on some other family time in order to pamper yourself. Contact a friend who lives on that side of town - even if its a quick cup of coffee or bite to eat, that reconnection will do wonders for you! If you are desperate for more organizational time, plan out next weeks meals, clip your coupons, catch up on emails or read all the mail from home.
Quality time with another child. I have taken child three with me and spent the time together at the park eating a picnic supper or just playing on the swings. In my case, it also gives the child at home some special time with Dad. So EVERYONE wins in this scenario. The only combination I don't have here after writing this for a bit is quality time with your adult child (aka your spouse). You could find a sitter/helper for the other kids and just go have dinner alone! Since I just thought of this option you can imagine how many times we have done this together....yeah, none. We have done dinner out with the other kids as a special treat to them, but not just the two of us. Maybe one of these years!
Ok, if you read this far, I have a question. Am I nuts for trekking my kid 45 minutes away for practices? What are you doing out there for your kids?
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