tired midwest parents

We are constantly challenged by the desperation and frenetic energy on display when the kids are feeling shut in for a long frigid weekend. We planned one outing to break up the monotony, but we’re all already exhausted from the expectations and constant questions.

Our kids like an itinerary. I’ll own that one, our fault if it annoys us because we do that ourselves. They like to have an idea as to what’s happening next or if they should prepare for something. I don’t think they have anything planned for themselves that may interfere. I believe it’s more of a way for them to check to see how much fun they may or not be having today, and if ice cream is involved. We love them for it, but it makes 72 hours in this box a little more difficult when we’re not able to deliver on anything adventurous beyond a movie and a charcuterie board.

We are not collectively very outdoorsy, so we set out to create inside activities to let them get their wiggles out. Short of creating a downstairs bobsled or giant fort made from all the pillows, furniture, and anything else not nailed down, they have their fun. But I almost feel sorry for them when I realize that these are the days when it’s ok to be bored.

We’re still limiting screen time, suggesting they pull out old toys, grab some art supplies, create, imagine, build, and play board games. We participate if and when we can, jumping in between laundry, cleaning, and attempting the next chapter of a good book. I feel like we’re prepared and willing to support them, but they still hit a wall and look to us to solve the restless nature of the ticking clock vs. their short attention span.

How do you explain to kids under ten that it’s ok to do nothing for a bit? How do you set them up to accept what they choose to do, and not regret what they choose to spend their time on once the sun sets and they feel bad about not “spending time” with Mom or Dad? Do they really want that, or are they just being kind? Do we create a ridiculously specific day for them, or do we let them struggle a bit and discover something about themselves in the uncertainty of snow day boredom?

Share any insights or stories you have with : tiredmidwestparents@gmail.com

This is another dilemma that doesn’t have one right answer, but our brains still bring us together to discuss it as our bodies are giving out moments after their bed time.

Looking back, it was a fun and productive weekend, and in our next post is a story crafted with inspiration from the kids during the quiet hours of day two.

-Tired Midwest Dad