Spotlights

I thought I was pretty clever, outsmarting my parents that way. It was summertime in 1950s LA. My parents had a bunch of little kids and not much money. 

Whatcha gonna do for fun?

We would wait til the sun started to set, then put on our jammies, grab our pillows and blankies, and pile into the station wagon. We didn’t have car seats for kids or even use seat belts back then. I loved to curl up in the “way back” and look out the window kind of upside down.

Where to? Study the city sprawling out around us, find the spotlights, then head over to see what glamorous event was going on. Do the slow drive by, watch for limos, tuxedos, high heels, and sweeping gowns. 

Then head back home, not in any rush, maybe drive along the beach, listen to the waves, smell the salty air. Sing some old songs. Tell some old stories.

Now here’s the clever part. If I pretended to be asleep when we got home, Dad would pick me up, gently carry me into the house, and put me safe and snug into my own bed. 

Wasn’t I clever? 

Oh wait, hmmm, yeah, clever parents! Getting us kids to bed so quickly and easily, even letting us think we were pulling the wool over their eyes and getting away with a great caper.

As our grandkids reminded us the other day, it’s the middle of May already and there are only a couple weeks left of school around here. What are your family traditions for hot summer nights?

You don’t have to spend a lot of money or even time to build lasting memories of connection and bonds of love.
 
Whatcha gonna do for fun?

Here’s to more resilient wins at home and school,

Anne

PS Want to help your kids have less stress and more success at home and school? CLICK HERE to get a copy of our book, The Resiliency Toolkit: A Busy Parent’s Guide to Raising Happy, Confident, Successful Children.