Hooray for Play Dates

Since we will be one of the many families I know who will be enjoying a no-fuss (and let’s be frank -- economical) staycation this summer, I’m already lining up play dates in August for my son, who will be finishing up day camp at the end of July.

While my son loves spending time with his friends, he’s also the kind of kid who’s just fine hanging out by himself, reading a book or drawing or making music. And at 8, he is at times still the most contented when he’s snuggled next to me, while we read Harry Potter together. (I’ve gotta admit I’m hoping this will last for at least a few more years!)

But I’m scheduling play dates for those long, lazy summer days of August, when I know my son will say he’s bored, for two important reasons: First, as much as my son and I love spending time together, I’m not always able to play w/ him the way his friends can (I’m not quite able to keep up with the multitudes of Mario Kart Wii character and vehicle names, no matter how much I’ve tried, and I can’t throw a Frisbee to save my life). Second, 8-year-olds can -- and prefer to -- play without a parent hovering right nearby, which means I can answer emails and even do a bit of work in the next room while keeping an ear out for any calls for a snack or needed intervention in an argument about who gets to be which character while playing Star Wars.

So while I’m looking forward to savoring some downtime with my child, I’m also looking forward to those bits of breaks when my son spends some time with friends. As with any healthy relationship, I know that the bond between my son and I will be stronger when we spend some time apart. So this mom’s recipe for a successful summer for my child will be: one part alone time, to read, create, veg out, etc.; one part time with friends; and one part time with Mommy.