THE JUGGLE

Christchurch parents Ryan and Charlotte Andrews are facing facts this summer, discovering that both their leave balances had been completely drained, with little to show for it. 

Ryan, 35, says reality “hit him in the face” as his son Fletcher had his first summer school holidays as a five year old. “Back in October we said nah surely we don’t need to fork out for a school holiday programme.” 

Both sets of grandparents were reportedly happy to help and described the experience as lovely, while also quietly reminding Ryan and Charlotte that this was not how things were supposed to work when they had kids.

Fletcher meanwhile has fully embraced a lifestyle that involves constant activity, immediate attention and asking what’s for lunch shortly after finishing breakfast.

Charlotte said the couple had briefly fantasised about using some annual leave at the same time.

“It would be nice to have an actual break while you’re on leave,” she said. “Not just parenting as usual or sometimes in a slightly different location.”

Ryan confirmed that most days off now involved one parent working, while the other supervised Fletcher with the assistance of grandparents, snacks and lowered expectations.

“At work they think you’re refreshed,” he said. “At home they think you’re available. You’re actually neither.”

The couple said they were now returning to work with zero leave remaining and a shared dream of one day taking time off together to sit down and do nothing.

More to come.

The post Working Parents Naturally Have Both Their Annual Leave Balances Deleted By School Holidays appeared first on The Whakataki Times.

SLOW LEARNER

Local two year old Noah Patterson confirmed this morning that today was once again the right day to place his fingers into the narrow gap on the hinge side of the lounge door and then close it.

The incident happened around 7:42am while Noah’s dad Mark was in the kitchen making toast and enjoying a brief illusion of calm. That illusion ended with a dull clack from the lounge followed by a short pause and then the scream.

“My finger!”

Mark already knew where this was going. He moved quickly but not urgently, as experience has taught him that speed does not prevent this outcome.

Noah was found crouched next to the door gripping his hand and staring at the hinge like it had betrayed him personally.

“Naughty door!” he said.

Mark picked him up and went through the routine of checking the finger, kissing the finger, using a soft voice. Everything a good dad is supposed to do.

Inside his head though Mark was torn between sympathy, confusion and disappointment. This wasn’t even close to the first time this had happened. The hinge side of the door has been explained, demonstrated and warned about many times.

Mark admitted that a small part of him wanted the pain to linger just long enough to leave a mark in Noah’s memory. Just enough pain to maybe connect two dots together.

“You’re alright mate,” Mark said. “That’s why we keep our fingers away from there.”

Noah continued crying for another minute until he realised that his finger was fine. His tears dried up quickly and the lesson slipped away just as fast.

Mark put him down and sighed deeply as Noah immediately wandered back toward the same door with fresh curiosity and no visible fear.

More to come. 

The post Toddler Decides Today Is A Good Day To Once Again Get His Fingers Jammed In The Door appeared first on The Whakataki Times.