Ugh

My 2 older kids go to public elementary school in NYC. It was just decided tonight that as of September, students will be wearing uniforms to school (style and color TBD). I am not happy - I am not a fan of uniforms, particularly in public school, particularly in GRADE school. But here in NYC, all schools have the right to adopt such a policy.

My son, who is going into 6th grade (and will graduate in a year) is excited about it. My daughter, entering 2nd grade, is not. I don't know how much of that opinion is truly hers, and how much of it was influenced by my rants and complaints in the weeks leading up to this decision. I let both kids know that if they choose to opt out, I will stand behind them. But I also said that if they want to feel like part of the "team" (the principal claims this will foster unity and school spirit) then they should go ahead and enjoy it. I am trying to be objective, particularly since my husband is the PTA Co-President... but ugh. Ugh ugh ugh.

Bad Mom, June 2010 (with prior offenses)

Out in the little park, my kids playing contentedly... until one (or all) decide they are thirsty or hungry. Sometimes this happens on its own, sometimes it is when another mom pulls out the snacks and drinks. It happens even if they've just eaten in the apartment. It always leaves me feeling like a terrible mom for not carrying appropriate stocks of water, juice boxes, granola bars, or other munchies. (I first noticed this a lot when I was on maternity leave 3 years ago in the heat of the summer, but I guess I still haven't learned to be prepared.) Sometimes the other moms will share, but that only makes me feel worse.

The other day when my daughter started up, I told her that when I was a kid, my mom would routinely send us OUT to play. For hours. Without snacks. If we wanted a drink we would find a garden hose. I realize times have changed and I would not allow my 7 & 10 year olds (much less a 3 year old) to roam the neighborhood all day, but still. Am I really supposed to carry snacks with me everywhere I go?

Random Observation, June 2010

My youngest, not quite three, can hum the Law & Order theme music. I noticed it the other day when he was humming along. (Ok, yes, my TV is often on inappropriate shows when the kid is otherwise occupied.) It's not actually a humming - sounds more like a creaky door - "Eh ehhh eh eh eeeh eeeh eeeeeh..." And then he cracks up.

Jones Beach Boardwalk, 6/13/2010

After a downpour, we ended up in the souvenir stop. Jake wanted a handball for $1.99 and had his own money. He promised to share the toy with Brandon. Sydney wanted a bag of fancy rocks (u-pick-em) for $4.99 - she didn't have her own money but promised to pay us back. I thought the rocks were silly, and the boys certainly didn't need another ball, but I let them go ahead, figuring this is how they learn the value of money.

As Sydney picked out her rocks (with Howard encouraging her to cram as many as possible in the little bag, while she was being much more selective), Jake and Brandon batted the handball around on the boardwalk. Jake moved quickly, bouncing the ball off the boards, the walls, his hand, while Brandon leapt after him, laughing, arms in the air. "Get it!" Jake would say, and Brandon would shriek with glee. Who can put a price on that?