Since my return from Maui my body has not been my friend. I seem to float out of flare ups only to crash back into another one. This time the flare up has been at it's worst for 3 days, which also happened to be when my daughter started school.
I've talked before about the guilt factor and how this effects my family more than me, and this is a shining example of that. My poor almost 4 year old has been relegated to my bed for tv shows, games and movies and occasionally to the backyard while I sit huddled under a blanket on the big cushioned chairs watching him play.
Another thing having him home during bad flare ups does is prevent me from resting. Rest does help the flare up end sooner sometimes, but it always helps my ability to deal with the pain and fatigue while it's happening.
So, as I drove home with my 4 yr old boy, 7 year old daughter, her friend and her friends sister one day discussion began about a playdate. The older sister is 11 years old and my boy B absolutely adore her. He's been in the car carpooling with her for 2 of his 4 years, she is the daughter of a close friend and a helper for our girl scout troop. So, as you can see she's spent some time with him.
As discussion of the playdate escalated B chimed in wanting a playdate with this 11 yr old girl, M. My first response was one of "4yr old boys don't have playdates with 11 yr old girls". But as M stated she'd be happy to come have a playdate a huge lightbulb lit up, albeit dimly, over my head. Would this amazing and responsible 11 yr old who I'd known for 2 years be able and willing to come babysit while I was home so I could rest?
Why yes!! Genius! I told her I'd pay her a little, though her mom told me not to, and it is a bargain for my baby boy to have someone who can physically play with him and keep her eye on him (and the 7 year olds)!
B had a blast, she got to be in charge (heaven for an 11 yr old girl) and make $10 and I got to rest. Win win win!
I feel like the world has opened up with this new possibility of having inexpensive in home help!!
Saved by an 11 year old.
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