If there is one thing that motherhood has taught me, it’s keeping my expectations in check. Sometimes I think I know exactly what my kids want or will like and I am just so far off it’s almost laughable.
For Riley’s birthday last week we took him to Disneyland and California Adventure. I was absolutely sure it was going to blow his little mind. We didn’t tell him anything about it. I would have bet money that he was going to get so excited when he saw Spider-Man or Captain America or Mickey or literally anyone.
I. WAS. WRONG.
I mean, he cared. He thought it was cool. But it was nothing like I remember being as a kid. He was barely phased. And I, admittedly, was upset. Why? I have no idea. Maybe because I see all these other kids go bananas over meeting Anna and Elsa or whatever other fictional person they like, and my kid was just like “meh.”
Now, I will say, Riley was also a bit sick and pretty exhausted. He literally coughed the entire day we were at Disney so I know he was tired. And not his regular self. But still.
I have to admit that I was a bit bummed.
Instead of a placated shock and awe and an attitude that basically tolerated me, I was hoping for more. But as the day wore on, I kept reminding myself that I was not my child. And he was not me. Matt even told me that as a kid, he didn’t really care. I, on the other hand, still have a book of autographs that all the characters signed for me.
Kids are different. People are different. And this trip was a great reminder. I have no idea how my kids will react in certain situations. I mean, I think Rhys, would go crazy. But then again, I have no idea. Clearly.
Basically what I’m saying is that, parenthood always comes with a learning curve. And a balance on expectations.
And also a great reminder that even if my kids don’t care about stuff, I can always act a fool and pose for photos, because that’s just what I do.
