One kid at home is so quiet. One kid at home is so easy. Getting out of the house with only one kid is a piece of cake. And without anyone else to argue with or tattle on or compete with for attention, one kid is a breeze. Briggs is easy to take anywhere. He is happy to ride around the grocery store or Target in a shopping cart, holding onto a car or truck or train that he's brought from home. He loves a good outing, and going somewhere where I only have to keep track of one kid is so relaxing. Although he loves going on outings, Briggs is also very happy to play at home. And he is generally a good little helper.
I feel like I can more consistently be the mother I want to be when it's only one kid to focus on and one child's constant needs that I have to attend to. I can focus on correcting behavior and take the time to have "teaching moments" in a more calm and focused way. I can say "yes" to more things and offer more choices, knowing that I won't have to deal with arguments over differing opinions that ultimately make me wish I had just made the decision without input. I can give my full focus to one child, making it easier to stay calm and rational and patient and fun.
I wish I had the opportunity do this with each one of my children every week. I don't know how the school would feel about me taking each girl out of school one day each week (while sending their 3 year old brother in their place), so my dream scenario will not come to fruition. But having this time makes me closer evaluate my parenting when all 3 kids are together, and hopefully I can emulate my one child parenting strategies on a more consistent basis with all 3 of them. I will also make sure to enjoy my days with Briggs and this special time we have together. Because before I know it, he'll be walking through the school doors with his sisters and I'll be longing for these days again.
My little school-year sidekick
