There’s That Week by Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., CLC, SDS

Life C ach

There’s That Week…

By Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., LMFT, CLC, SDS

Babysitters become indispensable. Grandmothers become superheroes.

And fathers and mothers learn once more why they love sending their kids to school. And it has nothing to do with an education!

It’s all about freedom!

Kids are a gift. But it truly takes a village – and then some – just to get them further and further along on the road to adulthood.

On the way to that destination, the more help, the merrier. That’s not to say parents want opinions and guiding points along the way – just hours!

So that week that comes between camp and school is a loaded one.

The thinking goes: “Who will take my kids or where will I take my kids?” That’s the dilemma of this period and much research precedes this week’s ultimate arrangements.

Who is available to keep some of my kids busy, to take care of my little ones, or to join my trip? And don’t be shy now – the more adults, the better!

Trips are always a good idea. At least in theory. Sometimes, they turn out to be some of our greatest family bonding times. Of course, the ages

and stages have to align just right, or it could sadly go the other way and become a nightmare.

Parents know their kids are about to go back to a more rigid schedule, so they want them to have fun this week. At the same time, parents want to make sure they themselves end the week with their sanity intact – at least the few shreds they had held onto before the week started.

Programs set up for kids to pursue a specialty are always a popular choice. And everyone is made happy through this option – the program creator, the kid attending, and the parents. Well, maybe, on second thought, their bank accounts aren’t that happy.

The “interim one week tot programs” are almost as popular and successful a choice. At least with the program creator and the parents. The tots could usually do without another week of having to share another toy or missing Mommy.

If you’re blessed with a child who is a reader, sometimes this week is an opportunity to leave those kids to

their own devices. Except, it rarely is relaxing for the parent in the end, even if their kid enjoyed it! Parents usually wind up taking themselves to that dark place of wondering why their kid would rather read than be outside with friends?!

Yes, this week is definitely a doozy. It certainly keeps families on their toes. No one is immune. Everyone is figuring some plan out.

So, is this a good thing?

Sure, why not?!

Lots of intergenerational bonding! Lots of good times!

When is that ever a bad thing?!

Don’t be shy now – the more adults, the better!