Swimming pool incident

I had last week off with Lara after Husband went back to work.

Lara gets very bored if staying at home all day and kids do naughty things when they are bored. I knew If I plan things right and get rid of this 'boredom' energy, I would be rewarded with an enjoyable day with a happy child. I knew I had to take Lara out at least once during the day.

The weather forcast was hot. I arranged to meet a friend at the local pool on Tuesday after a long play in the park on Monday. Lara got into all 3 outside kiddies pools and was generally happy during our stay. Being a little "lady", she didn't like 'boys' splashing water everywhere (she pointed her finger at them and said "no naughty" with a stern face) and of course wouldn't even comtemplate getting her face or hair wet.

I should have taking Lara home much earlier than I did. Being such a hot day and with so many kids around, Lara grew over-tired quickly. She became extremely difficult and had to be dragged out crying and screaming in my arms. It was not my proudest "parenthood" moment.

I couldn't leave things like that and gave Lara a bad pool experience, so I decided to take her back the very next day by myself (also to find the pair of shoes we left there in our haste departure). I made sure I watched the time and only stayed for about an hour. I also further enhanced the "pool experience" by sharing an ice pop with her before we left. Lara was very happy when we left the pool this time.

Who says money can't buy happiness (at least for a short time) and it only cost one dollar!!