Family Outings ~ Amanda's Books and More

Monday, March 26, 2012

Family Outings

I have four kids who are at different stages of their lives and who have different likes and dislikes. They are individuals and I treat them as such. They are also part of a family unit and as a family we do things together whether they all feel like it or not. They don't always want to come along on family outings, but when I see them all enjoying themselves then I’m satisfied that my husband and I insisted the unwilling one (or ones) join us.

There’s also wisdom in not always insisting that everyone comes along on one of our outings. I also want to enjoy myself and there’s nothing worse than having a sour participant at my side. One outing that I knew wouldn’t suit my kids was a tour of privately owned gardens in the area. It was a fundraiser for the Deaf Institute.

Not too many kids would want to give up their Saturday or Sunday looking at other people’s gardens. However, we have one child that we knew would enjoy herself… Amanda. She loves outings. We brought her along without hesitation. All three of us had a wonderful day of it. Rob and I especially enjoyed watching Amanda take pleasure exploring the beauty around her.

Photo Above: My husband, Rob, took this photo of the kids and me during a holiday on South Africa’s west coast.

Photo Below: Amanda is being a garden nymph on our tour of privately owned gardens.

Comments (10)

Logging you in...

Dashboard | Edit profile | Logout

Logged in as

+2 Vote up Vote down

euregirlsandboys 70p · 616 weeks ago

I have three kids vs. your four, but I think one of the best tips is what you mentioned - not all kids have to go on all outings. It can make it so much more pleasant for everyone! Especially when the age ranges span a few years, they're not even all interested in the same things.

Stopping by from SITS :)

Reply

+1 Vote up Vote down

ScienceOfParenthood · 616 weeks ago

Bet she loved that garden! Stopping by from SITS! Enjoy your SITS Day!
My recent post Perusing The Funny Paige

Reply

+1 Vote up Vote down

misssrobin · 616 weeks ago

My five kids range from 14-22, so I know what you're talking about. It's a tricky thing to decide if each time is one when I push harder to have everyone participate. Having a sour person there can sure suck the fun out of things.

It looks like you definitely made the right decision for the gardens. And how fun that she got to have some time with you without everyone else. That's important, too.
My recent post Trying to Be Brave

Reply

+2 Vote up Vote down

sjskill 23p · 616 weeks ago

I remember when we took our daughters to Hulda Klager's which is a famous lilac garden. There was grumbling by the teenager all the way down, but later after they enjoyed the beauty the question was, when are we coming back. Thanks for the reminder of a lovely memory. Enjoy your SITS Day.
My recent post You can’t always get what you want

Reply

+1 Vote up Vote down

Stacey @ Nurse Mommy · 616 weeks ago

What a perfect garden nymph! You are leading such an interesting life. Sounds fulfilling and full of light! Many blessings to you and your journey.
My recent post 11 Ways to Help a Family Cope with Child Loss (by Kissing the Frog)

Reply

+1 Vote up Vote down

Rabia @TheLiebers · 616 weeks ago

Parenting is often a delicate balance between pushing kids to stretch themselves and allowing them to stay put.
My recent post Thoughts on the End of Zumba Class

Reply

+1 Vote up Vote down

@HomeJobsbyMOM · 616 weeks ago

I'm glad your daughter had a great time. My boys might like that just because they sure do love the outdoors.

Reply

+1 Vote up Vote down

Allison · 616 weeks ago

Absolutely beautiful! Thank you for the wise words. My kids are still young (6, 3, and 1) and I look forward to seeing how their personalities begin to develop and change as they grow.

Reply

+2 Vote up Vote down

cookingwithcurls 26p · 616 weeks ago

She is adorable, and looks right at home in that garden. Have a wonderful SITS Day!!!
My recent post Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Cod & good wine

Reply

+1 Vote up Vote down

Kimber · 616 weeks ago

I have been thinking about this topic a lot lately so it was great to hear your take on things! My kids are still too little to have an opinion but I know that in the blink of an eye they will be old enough to have an opinion and voice it. I hope I can balance it like you seem to!

Reply