So far, we’ve been to the pool just one time this summer. It was over 4th of July weekend, which feels like forever ago, doesn’t it?
With nothing besides a couple of errands on our schedule this past Saturday, we talked over breakfast about making a trip to the pool. As soon as the words “pool” and “swimming” came out of my mouth, however, I knew we weren’t really going to go — especially when we decided to go after Levi’s nap. Nothing ever gets done after nap time.
I suffer from mommy guilt over not taking my boys swimming, but the truth is that it’s a huge pain in the ass to get a toddler and a baby ready to for the pool. We spend more time getting ready — going potty, putting on sunscreen, packing snacks — than we do in the water.
Plus, the kiddie pool at the JCC where we belong isn’t that much fun. I wish it were one of those fancy zero-entry pools with fountains and play areas, but it’s literally a large circle filled with shallow water. And when we went in July, we didn’t think to bring pool noodles, buckets, or toys. Boring!
Instead of going to the pool on Saturday, we spent an hour in the backyard with the hose, Levi’s water table, and some bubbles. And you know what? Levi had a blast. He didn’t care that we weren’t swimming. In fact, he didn’t even want to get wet! “Feeding the grass” with water and hosing down his dirty toys were plenty of fun. Plus, he got to chase the dog around for a little bit.
When I see photos on Facebook or Instagram of families with young kids at the beach or pool (especially backyard pools — jealous!), it’s hard not to feel guilty that we haven’t been doing those things this summer with Levi and Asa.
I guess the lesson here is that kids — at least, my kids — don’t necessarily care. They’re just as happy with a garden hose in the backyard.
PS – Have you heard of the backyard game called cornhole? Plus, summer shoes for toddlers.
I go through the same thing and I only have one child left at home and she’s 10! Very low maintenance. We have several association pools but they are always so crowded with screaming splashing kids. I’m lucky my husband likes taking her on his days off but I still feel bad that I’m not a good pool mom. PS Your children are beautiful. Love the bandaid and your photography. Lovely.
I’m sorry you feel the same mom guilt that I do, but I’m glad we can commiserate! And thank you for the sweet words about my kids 🙂
I love the photos! We need to bust out our camera before our little guys look totally different (which happens overnight, doesn’t it?). I’m glad to hear that the hose and water table are a blast. Our neighborhood splash pad/pool closes Labor Day weekend and my kids are going to be devastated to not have that option. I”M going to be devastated to not have that to burn off their steam in the late afternoons, especially while it’s still smokin’ hot down here. Water play for the win!
I think Levi would love playing at a splash pad. There are a couple of free ones around the city…again, it’s just the headache of getting both boys there (and then bringing home one wet one!).