As mercury shoots up to obscene levels in Bangalore, I sit in well-ventilated rooms with my laptop and Coco in tow, shifting from sofa to chair, from room to room, supervising chores while continuing to keep working. Such a fun way to work, wouldn’t you say? So, this is the last Monday in a while when the house will be this peaceful. Yes, the kids finish their final exams this Wednesday and no matter how much I try to crib I can’t deny them this huge happiness that only comes with the advent of summer holidays. That beautiful time in every child’s life when the only routine is no routine. While parents everywhere break their heads on how to keep the busybodies engaged and those like yours truly on how to work from home amidst noise, this is still a time to celebrate. As we will in a couple of days. I have plans!
Remember my last frustrated post on their unit tests? Based on the helpful comments of my friends and advice from my dear friend, Zephyr, I astonished myself and let go. It was a little frightening but what the hell, it is only 3rd grade. So this final exams, the younger son has completely self-studied. No revision, no asking, no nothing from mum. I am curious to see how he has performed but most importantly he has been so happy and relaxed and so have I. Sometimes, we find it so hard to give up control but it is rewarding when we make the effort.
To be fair, the children are so much nicer to be around. Last week, for 3 days in a row my maid went AWOL. It is another story that she never came back (just like that) and I had to get a replacement. But, it is the kids who made it so much easier to manage the chores. From willingly (ok with some nudge from mama) loading the dishwasher, to handing clothes from the machine, to watering the plants, taking Coco out and even helping with the vacuuming and cooking, the boys outshone themselves.
As you enter middle age, with creaky joints and the realization that the tummy fat is getting even more stubborn, one of the most joyful realizations is that your children are getting older and wiser and are slowly slipping into the role of your friends, accomplices, even your anchors. You can have long emotional conversations with them. Discuss sticky topics like politics and religion and disagree wholeheartedly. Share with them your personal and professional joys and sorrows and actually see them pitch in with thoughtful suggestions and emotional support especially when you are having a low day. It is these gratifying moments when you bless your stars for having them as you watch them come into their own.
Yep, I realized that of late, I was probably cribbing a lot, all in good humour I assure you, about them. But, it is also equally important to acknowledge how much I rely upon them and fall back on their support. The younger son is always willing to accompany me for groceries or for the multiple trips outdoors making those trips less boring and dry. Both my sons shop for veggies and already understand how to pick fresh veggies. And did I tell you that they are an absolute joy to shop for clothes with, giving frank feedback and never once asking to leave impatiently. Of course, a trip to the McD helps perk them up suitably for their efforts.
So, yes, as you can make out that I am actually quite optimistic about these holidays. April and May also have some travel coming up which ought to be fun. That and some fabulous book reading and doing some online courses.
So, till the next time when they drive me up the wall; here’s to the fabulous sons!
How’s your March looking?
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