Spring is starting to show signs of arrival and we can’t help but want to take it all in. The warmer weather, farmers’ markets, garden planning—it’s all so refreshing after the holidays and frigid temperatures!
But if you are anything like me—and if you have teens I’m sure you are—you need to mentally prepare yourself for you kids’ impending Spring Break. Especially if you are staying home like we are. Having the kids home for a week is great, but the extra dishes, dirty clothes, and teens lying on the sofa with ear buds in 24/7 isn’t my favorite thing in the world.
So, Here’s How I’m Getting Ready For Spring Break:
1. I’m getting mentally prepared.
I know the house will be messier with the kids home. They will lounge around a lot and complain about being hungry and bored. I’ve already decided to blow the budget on food over spring break, and if they are bored, their grandparents could definitely use some help around their homes. I’m getting my head in the game now so I won’t be surprised when the refrigerator and all of the toilet paper dispensers are empty. I’ll just plan to use my meditative breathing techniques more often over spring break.
2. We are going to work on a project together.
And by “project,” I mean I have some heavy lifting that needs to be done that I’ve been putting off until I can enlist Spring Break teens’ help. Our basement is in desperate need of a purge, and I’m not above bribing my kids to spend the day with me getting dirty in exchange for a new hoodie, some fast food, or whatever else will curb the complaints and get the job done.
3. I’m having them plan a day that’s all about them.
I have three teens and I’m having them plan one day of spring break just for themselves. Whatever they want to do, whether it’s hit the mall, hike with friends, or have a video game tournament, their day will be just for them. Giving them each one day of their own takes up three days of spring break and gives them something to look forward to. (Bonus, this kind of makes me look like a cool mom.)
4. We are going to make their favorite meals.
My teens all have a different favorite dinner. My youngest loves pot stickers, my daughter is crazy about pesto, and my oldest could eat a perfectly grilled steak and potatoes any day of the week. For the week of spring break, I’m going to get the ingredients for all of their favorite meals and we are going to cook. Together.
5. I’m going to take it all in.
Despite all the extra crap lying around and the arguing and wrestling, I love having my kiddos around. Sure, they can be a pain in the butt, and I’ll be ready to send them back to school when the week is over, but I’ll take the extra chaos. Their vacations are short and I’m thankful that they aren’t quite to the age where they’re ready to fly off somewhere with their friends for spring break. One day I’ll actually miss the sight of them walking around with their hoods up and ear buds in. So I’m going to take it all in this spring break, while I still can.
