Summer is here, and for many families, that means hitting the beach. Unfortunately, taking little ones to the shore can feel as soothing as a dental drill while getting a bikini wax.
Last year, I had reached my breaking point, shouting “enough!” only to be met with more chaos. So, this year, I decided to employ my psychology background to create a beach experience that embraces what I like to call “Covert Parenting.” What exactly is Covert Parenting? It’s the clever art of getting your kids involved in another family’s fun while you kick back and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation.
Here’s how to master it:
- Find a spot near a recognizable landmark—like a lifeguard stand or one of those oversized sun tents that could shelter a small village. Point these out to your kids for easy navigation back to you when the host family decides to depart. Trust me, they will leave once they catch on to your genius plan.
- Position yourself near a family engaged in digging a hole. It doesn’t matter if they’re aiming for China or just creating a sandy pit. The key is that your child will be drawn to this project and want to stick around. It’s crucial that the digging is being done by a dad and his kids. In my experience, fathers tend to get obsessed with making the hole bigger and deeper, a dedication that mothers don’t usually share.
- Every 30 minutes, make a point to saunter over to your child and spritz them with sunscreen while offering enticing alternatives like, “How about we head back to our blanket for some math practice or a snack of edamame?”
- Be sure to wave at the other parents at least once, shrugging as you silently communicate “she loves you!” with an apologetic expression.
- Leave behind snacks, drinks, and beach toys at the edge of the hole to ensure your kids have everything they need to stay entertained until sunset. As you saunter back to your chair, casually mention to the dad, “Great job! I’ll be over here on my phone looking up the deepest beach hole records. Internet is so slow today, isn’t it?”
By following these playful tactics, you’ll have ample time to dive into a book, play a game of UNO, soak up some rays, or even enhance your bartending skills—all with minimal interruptions. Enjoy your beach day!
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Summary:
This article provides humorous yet practical strategies for parents to enjoy a beach day with kids by cleverly engaging them with other families, allowing for a more relaxing experience. The tips include positioning near landmarks, leveraging other families’ activities, and maintaining a playful yet distant parenting approach.