Lil’ ones enjoying some free time on the walk home from school

Let’s be honest, the kids in this city have a surplus of extracurricular opportunities and their schedules can sometimes require a team of people to execute.  These activities require seamless logistical coordination, a variety of transportation options, wheels (stroller, scooter or bike) and snacks… not to mention multiple changes of clothes. We do all of this with the purpose of providing our children with exercise, socialization and enrichment.  Parents are also aware that kids these days can be easily over scheduled and struggle to find the balance between opportunities and downtime.

Those of us who oversee or manage the day to day, here to there, back and forth ever changing schedule for these children know the endurance, patience and positive attitude it takes to navigate this city, anticipate the 4pm-no-taxi shift change, drop off/pick up, encourage exhausted, frustrated and hungry children, all in the name of opportunity. Not to mention the all too familiar days when the 1 train is “temporarily delayed due to an earlier investigation at Columbus Circle,” while it’s raining outside and getting a taxi is about as likely as winning the lottery. We hold it together because we are parents and caregivers and we know there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

So…how can we find the balance? It depends on your family, children, their interests, your support system, what you can afford and how you want to generate downtime for your family. I say family, because we all need it. Parents, caregivers and kids!!!  As adults we can communicate our needs but as children we are at the mercy of our grown-ups. Teaching our kids the importance of learning and socializing is just as important as teaching them how to pause, catch a breath, veg out and tap into their bliss.

My favorite memory of downtime as a child was when my mom and I would have “tickle time” it was a great break in the action! When she would announce, “Tickle Time” I instantly knew that meant ten minutes of serious fun! On the ground tickling, laughing, and utter silliness was the perfect way for my mom and I to release tension and share some really carefree moments. I looked forward to this one on one time I would spend with my busy, working, single parent mother. Other downtime ideas include: have a 5 minute dance party, coloring/crafts, music, reading, playing a game, or just zoning with some screen time (it’s ok)… The goal is to create space and autonomy so the child can express themselves how they need too. This will increase family bonding, self-esteem and confidence, independence, patience and some much needed breathing room in our busy on the go NYC lives…

-Ali Sheppard is our Nanny Placement Coordinator and the author of the latest installment in our “Chronicles of Modern Mary Poppins” series.