Give the Kids a Break (While You Take Some Time Off)

Measure 3 cups flour into large bowl; answer telephone. Take large bowl off small child's head; sweep up flour. Measure 3 cups flour into large bowl. Measure 1/4 cup shortening; answer doorbell. Wash shortening from child's hands and face. Add 1/4 cup shortening to flour. Mix well; rock crying baby for 10 minutes. Answer telephone. Retrieve bowl from puppy. Put older child in tub and scrub well. Scrape flour and shortening mixture from floor, adding enough tears to relieve tension. Open 1 can of beans and serve with remaining strength. This was in a our church cookbook back in 1975. No-one was ever credited with writing it. But I read it and new exactly how the poor woman felt.

"MAAAAWWWWWWMMMMMMM!!! She won't leave me alone!" I hear it all the time, especially during summer break. So I came up with some things that may help with the summer time blues.

First, you need to understand there is strength in numbers. 1 parent and 3 kids is a losing battle in some cases. So the plan is to rally the troops and win the war. To do this you need only to find another mom in the same boat. Make a call.

First planned day: Summer Break Party

The goal here is to get the kids involved and make it their party. So here is the plan. Call every mother you know and set a date for the big event. Find a park that has a big open field. This is the location for the "run stupid, scream all you want, I don't care" hoe-down. It is best to plan it 7 to 10 days in advance. (oh and make sure each mother you call knows all the details before D-day. Suggest she call another mom as well.)

Now you can tell the kids. This is what they have to do. Plan it. A word to the wise here. You can make a few suggestions here and there, but let the kids come up with the plot, errr, I mean theme. They know what they like. You don't have to worry because it is in a public place and not in your living room.

Suggest they make a plan. Do they want to play flag football? Is there a badminton net? Do you want a soccer game or maybe volleyball? How about water balloons and squirt guns. If you let them know the only limitations are blood and tears, they can come up with some really neat things to do.

Ask the kids what is on the menu. Our park has stationary grills the public can use. Is that available at yours? Tell them to make a list of food they want to have. Remember you are not going to be the one cooking it. (I'll explain this in a minute) How many coolers will they need? Are they going to have soda's or water?

The next step is calling the "guests". Stress the fact that this is not a party but an open day at the park for anyone to participate. Make sure the children stress that fact as well.

As the kids pass the word to the others, they need to let everyone know that each person should bring a covered dish, drinks, chips, place settings, or what ever is necessary. See what I mean about you not doing the cooking?

Now comes another neat night of relaxation. What are the kids going to take for their contribution to this teenage gorge fest? Do they know how to make it? Can they make it? Do they have everything they need or do they need to go shopping? You can sit in the kitchen, relaxing (another word for making sure they don't burn the place down), while they make their fabulous party platter. You might want to mention that there is going to be a crowd.

The key to this idea is simple. Once you get the ball rolling, with a little guidance, the kids can plan a great day for themselves and their friends. You have already warned all the other mothers. All you need to do is sit back , relax and dodge the water balloons.

Have a great summer. I'll come up with another plan in a couple of days.