"Dear Vonnie" Spring Break

Each Saturday, I will do my best to answer your questions. I don't pretend to be an expert, but I know it's not easy being a wife and mother. It can be frustrating and discouraging, yet very rewarding. I'd be glad to listen to you, pray for you, and share some of my thoughts with you.

So, ask me something... anything...


Dear Vonnie,

I’m already wondering how to keep my sanity during Spring break when the kids are bored 30 minutes after they get home from school.

Signed,
Worried




Dear Worried,

You didn't say how old your children are nor where you live, so I'm going to assume they are elementary age (ages 5-10) and you live in mid-country, where it actually feels like spring. (not like Maine where there is still snow on the ground)

From the time I was a child myself (a long time ago!) SPRING BREAK meant spring cleaning. My mother would throw open the doors and windows. We would help her take down curtains and wash windows. We'd pack away the winter clothes and bring out the summery ones. We'd clean out the garage or attic, and we'd rake the yard.

Each morning, we'd work hard, so that the afternoon would be free to have some fun. We'd go the library or a friend's house. We'd go on a hike or a bicycle trip. If it was warm enough, we'd have a picnic. Maybe we'd dig out the baseball bats and gloves. If it was raining, we'd watch some of our favorite movies or play some games. One year we had a tournament, and the winner got a prize.

There are so many things you can do with your children; take them to a museum, buy some craft materials, bake cookies together, visit the post office (ask for a tour), go to a bookstore, redecorate their bedroom, help an elderly neighbor spring clean, go on a photo hunt with a digital camera, have an art show, put on a play or puppet show, make a video, etc.

This is a great time to make memories! Put your personal routine on hold for a week. Enjoy these days with your children. They soon will be grown, and you will wonder what happened to the time.

So, get excited about SPRING BREAK!