File this one under my on-going nomination for parent of the year:
After working all day, riding the train home, and picking up my little girl from the babysitter, the last thing I want to do is go to the park. And of course, that's what my little girl wants to do more than anything. Maybe if it was a quiet park, where quiet jazz is playing, and children are sitting around in the grass reading... this isn't that park (and yes I know that park doesn't exist). This the playground! Screaming kids, cooped up in school or daycare all day, flailing about and yearning to break free (I suppose that makes us parents the huddled masses).
I will bribe her with treats (you want TWO Oreos when we get home?). I will threaten loss of other privileges (well, then no TV tonight!). I will bargain (let's say we go home tonight, but then we can go the next two days in a row!). None of which usually works.
The one x-factor: the weather. If it gets to be 3:30-4pm, and the clouds start rolling in a bit-- I get that excited feeling in the pit of my stomach. While most people are fretting the possibility that their commute might be made unpleasant by the rain, I am reveling in the fact that I may just get out of going to the park! Come on water droplets, you can do this (a short, yet purposeful rain dance may ensue)!! No umbrella, no problem! This will only enhance my argument when I show up at the babysitter's door: "Sorry, sweetie not tonight. It's raining out," I'll say, suppressing a smile and trying my best to sound apologetic- all the while doing back flips in my mind.
Even still, a little moisture doesn't always end the battle- in which case the bribery can be upped if necessary (okay, how about two Oreos and a bubble bath??). And now as fall is upon us, winter approaches, and the days grow shorter and colder- soon the park at the end of the day gets taken out of the equation for logistical reasons (my logic, not hers: "the park closes at nightfall" and "it's 14 degrees out" just aren't logical deterrents to her).
But for now the battle rages, and after a brief hibernation the cycle will repeat itself. And so will my mid-day rain dances at my desk.