The Aftermath of a Vacay….
This was the first time Brett and I went out of town while the kids were in school, and stayed somewhere other than home. Last year, if I remember correctly, we took an extended weekend away and Brett’s parents stayed at our house and got the kids off to school. I think that’s how it happened. Anyway, this weekend was another extended weekend, but the kids stayed at my parents house the whole time. And I think that made the difference.
It’s not secret that Emma has a slight problem adjusting to change. She’s very much craves and needs routine and consistency. And while the routine and consistency of the school day stayed the same, it was everything else that changed for those 4 short days. And it made all the difference. We have been paying for that change going on 5 days now. She’s been grumpy, irritable, moody, and just plain not nice. And it’s not only at home. She’s been defiant at school, which typically isn’t like her. I feel bad for her because of course she doesn’t mean this. I think she’s just confused and that confusion and frustration comes out in the form of temper tantrums (notice ‘tantrums’ is plural!). It makes me wonder if going on vacation during the school year is worth it. We have one more trip coming up, sans kids, during school year. We’ll be in Florida for 5 nights for a friend’s wedding. And my kids are scheduled to stay with my parents again. We’re rethinking that strategy, as it is clearly not working for Emma, and in turn, for us.
Fortunately my mom offered to stay here at the house during the school week while we are gone. I think that will make a WORLD of difference. Emma will be able to relax in her own environment. Often times, when she needs to “unwind” she will simply go to her room, crawl in bed, and read books. To know that she’ll be able to do that while we’re away will ease my mind tremendously. I know it’s an adjustment for my parents, especially my mom who works outside of the house. And I’m grateful that she has graciously offered to stay here to help Emma’s adjustment. During the weekend will be a different story. I think they’ll spend one night at Grandma and Grandpa’s house. And that will be a nice change for them, and probably a much needed break from my mom.
To end, we are so blessed that we have both sides of the family here to help us. And they are so supportive of our little family of 4! Thanks, folks!!
My "typically" happy camper
