No Excuses!

Sunday as I was driving home from church along the flats between Geneseo and Retsof, I was watching for the Canadian Geese that land there during migration to eat in the corn fieldds.  Suddenly a white cloud flew over the field, wheeled, and a flock of snow geese landed next to the road.  What a magic moment!  Spring is filled with magic for young children (and for those of us who may not have totally grown up).  Plants are coming up out of the ground, the weather is in the high 40's (practically bikini weather in New York!), and the birds are singing.  This is the perfect time to stop what you are doing, turn off the computer, grab your child, and go outside.  I now there are objections:

1.  We live in the city - even the city has parks, planters, and trees to observe.  The sun is still warm and the breezes are still blowing.  Look around - you will find things to discover.

2.  It's wet and muddy - of course it is - it is spring.  Clothes wash.  Hands and faces wash.  The boots that the child wore this winter will not fit next year anyway, and if they do they will probably wash.  Children and dirt go together naturally.

3.  My bathroom needs to be cleaned - you have children so it will just be dirty again tomorrow.  A few months ago we had my mother's funeral.  During all of our conversations, my siblings and I never discussed how shiny her bathroom was.  Instead we talked about the times that we spent with my mother exploring the woods, playing in large puddles, and bird watching. 

4.  I need to make supper - supper does not need to be a four star meal; it just needs to be healthy and balanced.  Omelets with toast, fruit, and vegetables are a good choice.  Sandwiches with fruit and veggies are good.  A simple spaghetti sauce can be made in the 15 minutes it takes to make pasta.  It's up to 47 degrees, so throw some burgers on the grill.  Again, your children will not remember that on March 15, 2011 you made a fancy meal.  They are much more likely to remember the exploring and discovering that you did together.

Now you have no excuses so stop reading this, go outside, and enjoy the spring with your children!