A Secret to Success as a Working Mom: Turn Burn Out Into Bliss and Embrace Joy

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Last weekend my youngest was committed to going to the "Water Steps" a man-made water fall in Pittsburgh by the rivers. (Fun Fact: Three rivers converge in Pittsburgh--The Ohio River, The Monongahela River, and the Allegheny River.)  He kept asking. I knew he was serious when he said, "If you won't take me, I'll ask  daddy!" Given that it was highly unlikely that would happen on an unscheduled day, I relented. So, we went. It wasn’t planned in the way most things in my life are. No calendar block. No checklist. No “productive” purpose attached. And, so in some respects it was uncomfortable. And yet, it seemed necessary. It was the idea of my 8-year-old—offered with the kind of urgency only children possess when something is profoundly important to them.
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Top Five Tips for Surviving a Cookout with a Toddler in the Country

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We all enjoyed the day and we learned some lessons about how to survive a cookout with a toddler in the country.

  1. Bring reserves. Because you will likely encounter mud, animals and other fun things, bring an extra set of clothes for all.
  2. Bring the toddler some snacks. Not everyone prepares food with toddlers in mind. So, bring your own. My toddler actually slapped a plate of food out of my hands onto the floor after one bite.
  3. Grow eyes in the back of your head. Well meaning relatives will likely allow your toddler to do things that she's not allowed to do at home. It's all fun and games until somebody busts a lip.  By watching your kid at all times, you help ensure fun times for all and preserve relationships.
  4. Eat before you go. Watching your toddler and keeping up with her takes time and energy and you may not get a chance to eat. Also, chances are the people preparing the food did not have your vegan, low sodium, gluten free, high protein, low carb diet in mind. (I'm not quite that bad, but you get the point.)
  5. Relax. The country is not the city, but it is a great place to visit. As I have said before, I am high strung. However, I have learned that some of my daughter's favorite times involve her getting dirty and taking a few chances. She is a tough little girl and I have to let her grow up, under my eagle eye of course. Bath tubs and hand sanitizer were made for these types of days!
The Three of Us at the Sugar Camp

The Toddler Enjoying Fresh Molasses



Andre, the Toddler and the infamous Frog

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