My Baby Hermits
I have always been a homebody. In high school, my strict (very Haitian) parents would not let me go out as much as my friends did, so I fought against them just because…well, I was a teenager. When I got to college and was able to go out whenever I wanted, I tried it for a while and got tired of it. It made me tired for classes, plus I was also holding down a job. Regardless of the circumstances, I knew that home sounded a lot better to me than a night out on the town. For starters, my favorite pastime is reading – where better to read than your most comfortable couch?
Fast-forward many years and now I have babies. These babies LOVE to be out. If they even sense that you may be going out, they rush to put on their shoes and go wait by the door. It’s crazy. I’m convinced that they inherited this trait from my husband since he also loves being out and about.
Which leads to the issue of me at my happiest in my home and them not so much. I have to remind myself that they need to go out, sort of like a plant needs water 
I also realize that there is so much for them to see and we won’t be here forever. Now that it’s summer, it’s the best time for us to explore all that Caracas has to offer and I try to, but I know we could probably be out more. The worst is that even when my husband offers to take them out, my heart breaks a little. I wonder why they can’t be like me and instead of wanting to go to see that new park, choose to stay home and cuddle with mommy. It’s selfish, I know, but I’m still hopeful that it’s a phase they’ll outgrow…
Do your children have any preferences that are opposite of yours? How do you deal with it? Or, do you remember wanting the complete opposite of what your parents wanted? Please share your stories.
Tags: Caracas, Expat Families, Expectations for Children, Immigrant Families, Parenting, Self Image, Staying in vs. Going out
I’m an only child and am now raising an only child, son. The only thing I can’t for the life of me understand is why he hasn’t figured out how to play by himself! I did it…and was quite happy to play with all my dolls and toys and games. But this boy child NEEDS to have someone to play with. Now 7 years later I am still sword fighting, playing Marvel’s vs. whoever the other one is, running around playing dress up. I think I might adopt another 7 year old just to give myself some rest!
LOL, I love it! I am lucky that my daughter – even when she was an only child – could handle playing by herself. I did it, too, because my sister was 4 years older so I can't imagine a child being different. I think if he hasn't changed by now, it's probably not going to happen. Have you tried frequent play dates?
I think it’s gender thing. Taking child psycology courses in college provided me with much needed info about the differences between boys and girls (I’m an teacher). Boys are more physical. Must run, move, bounce, jump, etc. Girls are better listeners and communicators (which requires being still and focusing). As females, it’s beneficial to know this b/c boys tend to get in trouble for doing what comes natural. I use to be a nanny; the girl was easy, the boy at age 9 wanted to sword fight, kick, run, play sports, etc.
Kiki´s last [type] ..Beautiful Switzerland
Yes, I can see the inherent differences between my son and daughter differently. Unfortunately, in the area of wanting to go out, they seem to both have that gene. It would be nice if at least ONE of them wanted to stay home with me
Haha!
Let’s see stay at home with mom or go to the park…decisions, decisions.
Besides, it’s nice to have alone time with dad.
Kiki´s last [type] ..Beautiful Switzerland
That's true.
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