It’s two days before International Women’s Day. I am sitting in a coffee shop, music blaring through my headphones, a half-eaten sandwich and a cup of cold brew with a dash of oat milk next to me. I dropped off my youngest at his grandparents because I wanted to spend some time writing before picking up my other two kids from school. Do you think this is something a man would have to do in order to get one hour of free time?
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James will start preschool in September. This is something that makes me anxious. As the middle child he has a free spirit, to put the description of his character mildly, so confirming to rules and following instructions, I fear, are not his strong suit. So when Little Kickers contacted me about taking James, who will be three next month, to a few weekly classes, I knew it would be the perfect opportunity to ease him into the world of education, independence and group play. The fact that he got a kit with a t-shirt and his name on it was just icing on the cake.
Since I discovered the existence of beautifully curated kids shops, both online and on site, my kids’ selection of toys has gone up a notch. They’re -slowly- replacing big ugly plastic trucks with wooden airplanes and exciting puzzles. And the kids genuinely love them. The latest online toy store added to my list of spaces to shop from for birthday gifts, among other things is Pie in the Sky, a local business with a seriously impressive selection of toys and accessories mainly because they’re all eco-friendly and sustainably sourced.
I’ve began planning our annual Easter Egg painting sessions. I’ve researched a couple of ways I think I can get all kids involved, maybe even Danny who is 14 months old. Scroll down to find some inspiring ideas I have collected.
Who else is jumping for joy at the thought of a routine and a new school year? Let me tell you who isn’t. Georgie, my seven year old who declared over a month ago that he does not want to go to school. Of course I completely understand what he means and why he doesn’t want to go so I’ve been reading up on separation anxiety and how I can help him deal with all the emotions that come with this change in his life.