Mom Needs a Break From the Beach

Children think of summer as a few fun-filled months that are filled with outdoor games, frozen treats and water play. Parents, on the other hand, think of summer as a few stressful months filled with sandy hair, sticky faces and an insurmountable pile of laundry.

Don't get me wrong—I love getting ice cream and playing at the beach, but I just like the way I do these things.  My 2-year-old son has his own agenda.

Last time we went to the beach, I just carried him, naked as a jaybird, back to the car. When we got home, it took forever to get the sand out of his hair.

The sand is still in the car. I figure I will leave it there until I can build castles.  

Are there any options for days you don't feel like re-applying sunscreen every 45 minutes on squirmy sand monkey? I've researched the topic, and you would be amazed at the results. Some of the ideas were ridiculous, and I found myself angry that I had wasted precious minutes of my time to read "how to make a butterfly out of tissue paper and a clothespin." Smith isn't ready for glitter yet—at least, not in my house.

I am more drawn to the macaroni sculptures. All you need is some glue, construction paper, and some macaroni. I couldn't believe how much fun it was.

I'll let you know when Smith tries it.

Cheap plastic baby pools are not just for your wayward neighbor's front lawn. You, too, can entertain your child for at least an hour inside this contained, shallow environment, and if you're feeling really daring, give your child the hose. This bought me at least an extra 10 minutes and an immediate change of clothing.

Make sure you do your lawn a favor and put the pool away afterwards. I make a game out of taking buckets of water out of the pool and dumping them on my plants.  

Sand/water tables are messy. We have one, although it's now just a water table. I was tired of sand all over the house and in the water side of the table. Perhaps it's an age thing—maybe one day we can buy sand again—but for now, Smith knows no different. He can catch plastic fish just fine without sand.

We also pretend that the plastic fish are barfing water onto the tomato plants. He gets a real kick out of that.

Don't get me wrong, the beach is terrific and works fine in a pinch, but if you are in need of a beach break, then try a fun day at home. Paddle in the kiddie pool. Have a picnic, complete with a tent made out of sheets, in your front yard. Do . If it's too hot, take your child to , ride the escalators up and down, go to Hallmark and read books (they actually have a great children's selection) that you probably won't buy, and have a reasonably healthy lunch in the food court. I did that Monday, and I feel no shame.

Summer is full of sun, sand and water here in beautiful Redondo Beach. Enjoy it while you can, but don't feel bad about grabbing a few macaroni noodles and some Elmer's glue for a day or two of respite.  

Splish splash, Redondo Beach.