Can’t This Be A Stay Home Day?

If it was up to my son, we would rarely leave our house. We might visit our neighborhood Starbucks, stop by the library, or walk around the block before ending up at the mailbox; however, additional destinations require prior planning and convincing.

“Can’t this be a stay home day?”

To be honest, I understand why he tries these words. They used to work for him, but that was when he left his home for school. When he needed that recovery time.

In an effort to push through this self-imposed hermit existence, we strongly encourage (okay…force) my TBP to go places and do things that he doesn’t want to do.

Today, we decided that it would be the science center. Most kids would see this as a fun Saturday outing, not mine.

The push back started in the car and continued through most of the trip.

There were a few moments when I didn’t think that we would be going inside; he started listing all the reasons why he couldn’t, or shouldn’t, and we countered all of his arguments.

We convinced him to try. We believed that once inside, he would see that it wasn’t as loud or crowded as it felt in line. His stubbed toe or sore leg or tiredness, wouldn’t be as noticeable.

There was a tropical butterfly exhibit and this intrigued him, especially since we had just released five painted lady butterflies into our neighborhood.

He was hesitant, but he continued to move ahead.

Shortly after we walked through those doors, he was engaged; despite his previous apprehension, he was having fun.

He’s a bit of a naysayer, typically saying no to most of our proposals. Sometimes he will admit later that it was fun. Sometimes, he is just determined to be right.

Despite the struggle to get him there, he had a great time. We all did.

Later that night, we talked about our favorite parts of the trip. We remembered the butterflies, the snakes, the photo booth, the sneeze simulator, the electrical currents, the hurricane booth and more. So much more.

My son loved the naked mole rats. We really, really didn’t. If you google “naked mole rats” you will see why.

I have included a few pictures of our trip…

8 thoughts on “Can’t This Be A Stay Home Day?”

I feel your pain. Urging a child like ours is more than convincing the average child. I know what it took to get him out the door and into the Science Center. One day at a time. He obviously enjoyed it and you have the photos to prove it later!

mytwicebakedpotato says:

August 10, 2014 at 10:06 AM

Thank you! Some still think that a “because I said so” should work. After all, he’s the kid and I’m the parent.
If only
🙂

Reply
- Atlas Educational says:
  
  August 10, 2014 at 8:25 PM
  
  I get that. As a teacher, I know I sometimes thought, “I wish parents would control their child.”
  
  Then, through experience and having my own kids, I realized that I value the “respect” idea more. Sometimes we have choices and sometimes we don’t. That goes for adults too. I try to give the same respect to my kids and let them opt out when it’s not a big deal. I value choices for myself, so why wouldn’t my kids too?
- mytwicebakedpotato says:
  
  August 10, 2014 at 10:25 PM
  
  So true 🙂

How awesome that this trip was a success. Is it any easier on weekdays when those sorts of places are less crowded?

mytwicebakedpotato says:

August 10, 2014 at 10:07 AM

Typically yes, but this is the perfect location for summer school field trips and tourists.

We decided to go earlier in the day instead of waiting for the afternoon and that did help 🙂

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We have the same struggle here! I can recite the best days and times to visit every place that is free or for which my sister gave us a membership. I’ve learned to always ask the person who counts heads (sometimes at the main gate or sometimes at an especially popular exhibit). But sometimes the crowds just can’t be avoided and we label it “a learning experience” on more than one level. 🙂 Thankfully we have few public meltdowns now, which makes it a lot easier.