blogs
Desire simpler commute routine
I drop my children off at their wonderful school each morning doing the slow roll through the carpool line as my oldest gathers his things, opens the door and walks straight to class. Meanwhile my youngest is trying to stuff all of her things in her bag which I had warned her not to unpack. She struggles with the seatbelt, puts her shoes back on (I told her to keep them on)and gives me a gentle kiss and a quick promise to listen and be good before sliding out into the patient arms of her reading teacher. It is hard to look around as the driver behind me is glaring wondering why it takes me so long to unload and move on. The mothers who do not report to an office (would not call them non-working mothers) are chatting on the sidewalk...some with dark tans and wearing tennis outfits (I am so jealous). I dread the summer since I have to deliver my children to two different camps (my oldest wants his space from his little sister plus they have different talents) and still arrive at work in time. My husband owns a small business in Fuquay so he usually gets to avoid this strange morning commute. How do other mothers do it? Surely I am missing something that would make our lives easier, simplier, less hectic, but darned if I know.
Comments
I understand your desire for simplification, but I don't know if it will happen.
I live in Cary. My four kids go to three schools, all in Raleigh. We chose the magnet school route a number of years ago because we weren't happy with our base school (long story, I'll spare you...). My oldest is in a charter high school because once you start going un-traditional, why not keep going?
So, my first two leave in the a.m. with my husband, and I take the two book ends (oldest and youngest) to their schools. I then contemplate-- stay in Raleigh all day, or come back, get settled in at home, just to run back again in the afternoon?
I spend a lot of time commuting and a lot of money on gas. But, we're happy with our schools, for the most part. I wish it were simpler, and I wonder if it would be easier if we didn't have as many choices. But by having them, we're now responsible for using them as best we can.
Still, I am anticipating the slow summer days when my commute keeps me in only one city.
Four? I do not know how you do it. If my nine yo was legally allowed to drive, he would have a car! My job necessitates that they go to summer camp (my husband's 17 year old, small business is not bringing in revenue right now, so I have to work to keep all of us insured, fed and housed). You are on the spot with maybe we all have too many choices, things might be simpler! Have a great summer!
My morning struggle a while back was my daughter getting out of bed in time to leave. Every morning was so tense. I would call up the stairs. She would pretend not to hear me.
Finally, I had enough with the miserable mornings. I told her that the next day I would wake her at 6, give her a "ten minutes" call at 6:30 and if she wasn't in the car by 6:40 I would take computer privileges away from her. She was OK for a few days, then had another bad morning. No computer. She was cured.
So, if your kids have a favorite thing you can take away, maybe you can threaten that...and then, of course, follow through. As for the one who unpacks her stuff...can you put the backpack in the front seat and her in the back?