 At first, you think, "This is going to be great! It's going to be
quiet and peaceful for a whole week!" Then you walk past their
bedroom. You know you miss them when the first thought that goes
through your mind isn't: "How many times do I have to tell him not
to leave his wet swimsuit on the floor?" It's: "Oh my gosh, he
forgot to take his swimsuit!"You shouldn't miss the daily
cajoling, bribing and threatening that goes on when trying to get
your youngster to eat something on his plate. However, there's
definitely something tugging at your heart when you set one less
plate at the dinner table.
It's a huge bother to tell a kid to go to bed 400 times every
night, but I would be lying if I said I didn't enjoy the hugs each
time after the 400 excuses.
"I need a drink of water."
"Didn't you just have one?"
"I have to go potty again."
"How much did you drink?"
"I have a loose tooth."
"You want some super glue?"
"I think there's a bug in my bed."
"They don't eat much. Go to bed!"
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 Still, shouldn't I be enjoying this freedom a little more? It is
kind of nice to sit in a shady spot and write without being
interrupted by a shout, a cry or, heaven forbid, a scream. In fact,
I could get used to this… I'm just not there yet.
How many days, I wonder, does it take to start enjoying the fact
that the TV isn't permanently set on a channel with squeaky but
earnest-sounding cartoon characters with spiky hair? Or that the
sofa cushions have remained on the sofa for more than an hour? Why
can't I enjoy the kitchen floor without Cocoa Puffs or Doritos
crunching beneath my feet? It's not as if I like that sort of thing.
It's kind of nice to walk into the kitchen without seeing a
single cabinet door wide open. Like Vanna White, I'd normally stroll
in, close three or four of them, and then strike a pose next to the
refrigerator and wait for someone to buy a vowel. I feel like I
should be wearing an evening gown instead of my old fuzzy bathrobe.
Maybe that's what I'm missing -- the feeling of being a glamorous
TV game show gofer. No, that's just silly. I never felt glamorous,
just ticked off.
Still, maybe I'm onto something here. My husband and I should get
dressed up and go to a restaurant where not a single chicken nugget
or french fry is served, drink some wine, stay out late, take a walk
in the park and look at the stars. We should dream a little.
While we dream, we'll know that grandma and grandpa will take
good care of the little darlings. There will be plenty of time to
miss them… later.
[By LAURA SNYDER]
Laura Snyder is a nationally syndicated columnist,
author and speaker. You can reach her at
lsnyder@lauraonlife.com
or visit www.lauraonlife.com
for more info.
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