Camps!

Dear Compass, Help! I'm trying to decide what to do with the kids for summer vacation. We take plenty of time off during the summer, but we do have some weeks that we both work, and that is when the kids attend summer camps. This year my in-laws, who live in another state, want to take them for those weeks. My husband thinks this will be a great time for the kids, but I am worried about them going all summer without socializing with a group of other children. What do you think we should do?

Camp Mom

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Dear Camp Mom,

I don't think either of you is wrong. I enjoy spending time with people my own size as well, but sometimes it is great to be loved and taken care of by someone special. How many weeks are we talking about? Perhaps you can split them between the trips to your in-laws, and a one week camp here or there. Another options would be to make sure you schedule play dates with your kids and some of their friends before or after the trip.

How often are your kids able to see their grandparents? This could be made into an exciting and special time to spend with them. My family went to Europe last year, and they left me with some special friends while they were away. I had so much fun and I was able to explore a whole new place! Your kids might feel the same way. 

Compass

PS - Have a question?  Need advice?  Want an opinion?  Just Ask Compass by sending me an email.

 

What to do, what to do...

Being a coach, I'm often asked how I decided what project I should do first on a busy day. Here's how I start my day: I wake up early and make sure my family is also awake early. Without me they wouldn't get up in time, so this is one of the most important things that I do. Next I go for a brisk walk outside, come back in, take a drink of water, and take a nap for an hour or two. Are you noticing the pattern? I start my day with the most important thing I have to do-- I make sure my family is awake on time-- then I move on to the next important thing on my list, I go outside and take my walk. 

When you have a lot in your water bowl and you don't know where to begin, the best thing to do is start off on the thing that needs to get done the most that day, or that morning. It doesn't matter if it is the longest project you have to do, or the shortest, the hardest or the easiest, you should start your day with the most important. When that is complete you move on to the next important task for that day. That way, by the end of your day, if there is something you didn't finish it is ok. 

For example, my day ends with dinner, then sitting around the house with my, before curling up and going to sleep. Now I am all rested up to start the day again by waking up my family early.

GET OUT!!!

I like to run. I like any game where there is a ball I can chase around. Now that the snow is finally melted my family and I are spending more time outside, and I am able to chase my ball all around the yard. I am pretty active all year round, but I know many people get sort of lazy during the winter time. Well, it’s time to get off the couch and back on your feet! The grass is green, the sun is warm, and there is no reason to sit around inside anymore.

Ok. I know. I’m known to get all excited about going outside only to lie down on the grass with my tummy sticking straight up, but I want to encourage you to get active. Take a walk with your family. The trails are beginning to dry up near my home, so there is no excuse not to get out in the wilderness. Choose your favorite ball and play your favorite game with it. It doesn’t matter to me what you play, as long as you are running around.

All this hiking and running keeps me really healthy, but it also makes me thirsty. Remember to bring a water bottle with you wherever you go, and remember to bring water for other members of your family that drink from a bowl instead of a bottle.

Compass
PS - Have a question?  Need advice?  Want an opinion?  Just Ask Compass by sending me an email.