The long-awaited play date with a friend from school finally arrived. My three girls and the friend fluttered around the house in the morning playing happily and loudly, and in the afternoon (because it was summer) we decided to head to the local pool. We were the only ones there for the first half hour. My youngest was showing off her latest swimming skills and she had my full attention and praise as we played together.
A few local kids trickled in and then a literal train of daycare children came in with their young caregiver leading them. She pulled up a chair and propped herself in the shade with her cell phone. The daycare kids immediately glommed onto me as I was the only adult in the pool. They really noticed that I was interested in them as I commented on their big splashes and impressive jumps. They even formed a line and took turns for my attention! My kids were content playing alone for a while and would check in with me to watch something they were doing. But the daycare kids just rotated like a water wheel desperate for their next turn with me.
I was the ONLY mother at the entire facility. I counted 25 kids and not a single mother or grownup except for me. I felt sad for those kids, but had a happy heart knowing at least my children would never have to find a stranger mother at the pool to get praise, love and attention.
Deanna
I Was the Only Mother at the Local Pool
