And I have a head cold.
The cubs are having a great time. As I’ve mentioned before I am blessed with two, one of each, and they’re of an age where they play with each other nicely, most of the time.
You may have noticed that I haven’t blogged as much this week and that’s because I’ve discovered something new.
Single parenting can be exhausting!
It’s amazing the difference that another adult can make when it comes to chipping in, solving disputes and land grabs, prepping meals and convincing small people that whilst crisps do indeed come from vegetables, surviving on them alone is challenging.
This is probably something that I might have taken for granted previously but I’m amazingly determined. I’m also conscious not to let my frustrations and fatigue play out into a lack of tolerance with them and their behaviour. There’s a fine line between responsible parenting and being an ogre.
What happened to the groceries?
I always like to shop with them as there are endless opportunities for learning here. Some of the most important life skills necessary for adult autonomy can be learnt in the supermarket.
We take turns pushing the trolley, but after my daughter failed to successfully navigate an elderly couple a retook control.
My son has just about outgrown the kid seat in the trolley itself so he is also a free spirit on the peripheries of my control. His contribution to the visit consists mostly of placing random items into the trolley (unopened tube of Vagisil free to a good home) slam dunking fresh fruit and veg and slowly spinning, arms outstretched at the checkout.
Getting home with a good selection of food feels like a major victory but the cupboards are full. The cubs go and do their respective thing.
I cook; they eat; they play; they snack.
Dinner usually goes something like this;
- Have you finished?
- Yes;
- Can you just try a bit more veg please?
- Ok, but I only have a little stomach and that’s quite full now;
- Ok, but do eat what you can (don’t want to manifest eating disorders)
- That’s it daddy; i’m full.
- Ok. You can get down from the table.
- Thanks dad; can we have some crisps please?
Within 36 hours, full cupboards are a fond memory..
I try to mix activities to keep them challenged
Whilst my son and I were heavily involved in painting animal shapes, I let my daughter loose with one of my cameras. Her challenge was to come up with the most interesting shot she could find.
She was pretty happy with her results.
She even zoomed in to show me it’s eyes…
The only downside
My son sneezed in my face 48 hours ago. Whatever bug he had was already tuned in to my genetic code and I’m a dribbling, snotty mess.
This is only week one.
BSD
broke-single-dad 