It was going to be the perfect day.
When Discovery Day came around, I planned a special Mother-Son Day for my toddler and I since my husband had to go into work and it was just going to be the two of us. I wanted it to be fun, because my child continues to remain a Daddy’s Boy, with unaltering feelings of my husband being the more-fun choice of playmates. This likely has something to do with the rough-and-tumble antics that they get up to, while his games with me tend to center around more-imaginative play—crafts, picnics, Duplo. Still great, but not as exciting.
Today, our time together was going to be different. I had planned it all out. Knowing that the outdoors is my son’s happy place, and having seen a childhood friend of mine post something about a playground tour that she did with her boys back in Ontario, I thought this would be a fantastic way to give my three-year-old his perfect day out. So, after a hearty breakfast, I informed him that he and Mom would be visiting a bunch of the many local playgrounds in Whitehorse. We were going to play at the parks, go for lunch and spend hours in the sunshine having a wonderful time.
He was thrilled, and I was overjoyed by the gigantic grin that appeared on his face as he clapped his little hands together in excitement. We were off to a fantastic start, and he happily got dressed and ran out to the car so we could begin our adventure.
And an adventure it was. As we stopped at the first playground, he eagerly jumped to the ground, his little stuffed turtle in hand, before running at full speed towards the equipment. We made use of every item within that park, and I was overjoyed to push him on the tire swing while he giggled. The tire swing was always a favourite of mine as a child, so being able to see him experience the same enjoyment was truly a blessing.
As we made our rounds around a second playground, I was impressed by his ever-growing skills and ability with the equipment. I was proud as I watched him test his physical limits while also pushing himself to climb a little higher or jump a little farther. This boy doesn’t get scared of anything, and I laughed right alongside him as the two of us had a great time chasing each other around and racing down the slides together.
The day was going splendidly. I was feeling quite confident in my attempt to give Little Buddy the best day I could. He is always happier when he has had lots of opportunities to run around and use up his never-ending supply of energy and playfulness. And gleeful he was, as we eventually made our way to Rotary Park where we were both eager to enjoy the splash facilities.
The weather wasn’t hot, but it was warm enough for my son to enjoy himself as he ran in and out of the water. Still a little nervous about getting sprayed too much, he was content to take turns trying to splash me before running to escape my revenge. It was a great way to build up an appetite before lunch, and as he laid face down on the park’s giant swing, I knew I was beginning to tire the little guy out.
After a quick stop for some nuggets and fries for lunch, and after my boy took some time to play in the restaurant’s indoor playground for a bit, we made our way to our final destination. The last stop on our tour of the Whitehorse playgrounds—Shipyards Park.
His energy had lessened a little bit. I could tell by the fact that after a few trips down the slide, he proceeded to run up and down the play yard and collapse (in dramatic fashion) at each end, to give himself a short rest. As I chased him around the playground, with both of us chuckling in pure delight, I relished the opportunity to spend this time with him.
Things in our lives have undergone significant changes and have involved a lot of stressful moments lately, but for a brief amount of time, it was left behind and we found comfort and joy in spending time playing together.
It was the perfect day.
I had made him laugh all day. Really laugh. That indescribably perfect squeal-type laugh that only toddlers do. Yep, I knew my fun score had gone up in my son’s books.
Yet, as we walked back to the car, I found that my son suddenly looked sad. I comforted him with cuddles as I got him into his car seat, asking if he wanted to play a little longer (we weren’t in a rush, and I was happy to indulge a little bit more play time). However, he shook his head.
“What’s wrong, Buddy?” I asked him, expecting him to reply with something along the lines of “I don’t want our fun day to end.”
“I want Daddy.”
Not what I was expecting—although understandable.
“Daddy’s more fun at the park.”
I broke out into laughter. It confused him.
Sure, I could have been gutted by this response. But I’m learning that one cannot take offense to what a little child says sometimes—especially a toddler. They say what’s on their mind and express their feelings (as best they can) without filter or knowledge of how it may be taken by those that they’re speaking to. My child had fun with me … I know that. But, he was likely thinking about wanting to have his Dad there too. His Dad, who swings him higher and can lift him up to reach the monkey bars (Mom’s too short for that).
“He is a lot of fun at the park, eh Bud? Maybe we can all come back on the weekend together,” I assured him with an encouraging smile. And to my delight, his own smile returned.
“I love you, Mommy.”
There it was—the perfect way to end the perfect day.
