Getting Them to Leave

One might think, that if certain kids went to a different playground every day, that it would get easier for said kids to leave a playground, especially if there was a promise of new playground the next day.  One might also think that if said kids were at a playground after dinner time, and stayed until bedtime, that those precious angels would be ready for bed upon arrival to their home and sleep through the night like lambs.  If that “one” happens to be you, you obviously haven’t been to a playground with my kids.

I was off from work for four and a half days so I thought I’d treat the boys to five days of playgrounds.  The first afternoon was great.  We met some friends and headed to Pretzel Park.  When we left there wasn’t much griping, maybe because we were going to back to a friend’s house to play a little more.

Day two we went to Kelly Park on Parker Ave.  We left with my four year old saying “I’ll miss this place.  I was having so much fun."  

Day three brought two playgrounds to us - Miles in the morning and back to Kelly that night.  The boys resisted leaving Miles and cried when leaving Kelly.  

Day four we went met friends for a picnic dinner at Houston playground  - I could barely tear them out of there.  I think the only thing that made it easier was that our friends were leaving at the same time.  I was able to bring my husband on day five.  We were leaving Kelly playground and he said to me, “Is this what you were talking about?” referring to their cries. I said “Oh no.  This is the worst yet!”

I figured they’d be more willing to leave a playground knowing they’d be back the next day.  I was wrong.  I also thought that if they spent a couple of hours running around and climbing and sliding, they’d zonk out before I could turn out the bedroom light.  Not the case.  It quite possibly kept them awake longer.  Silly mommy and your expectations.  What was I thinking!?!

With all that said, it was still a fun weekend.  We added three more playgrounds to our list, visited with friends, and probably found a new favorite park. The boys were able to play outside and stay active all weekend, which is a major plus for me, especially since we really don’t have a backyard for them to play in at home.  I’m looking forward to the next playground, and in the meantime, I’m thinking I’ll have to find some kind of bribe to get them to leave.