I’ve been trying to get this “Urban Mom” thing down for some time now.  The last time I was mom to a toddler, flannel was on the way out and the coolest thing out of Seattle was a coffee company that based its business plan on rabbit husbandry.  Not to mention, I lived in the “sticks.”  I did the retro version of parenting based on my own upbringing.  It’s called, “Go outside and play!” 

You see, the GOAP method is designed to stimulate imagination, stimulate their muscles and most importantly “get them out of my hair,” as my mom used to say.  Although, I really don’t recall ever being in her hair.  When I would state my thoughts about the implausibility of follicular follies, she would reward me by saving me the trouble of opening the door.

Now I live in an environment that is at odds with my tried and true parenting method.  I can makethem go outside and play but that might result in a trip to the pokey for child abuse.  I live halfway between Purgatory and Inferno (Phoenix) and ”normal” temps hover around 105-112  this time of year.  If I do get the chance to force them outside, they are confined to a backyard that is devoid of adventure.  Patch o’ grass, gravel and immature landscaping…kind of like a prison yard with shorter walls.  It works for the toddler but takes away a crucial element of the GOAP method, passive parenting.  I should be able to let her wander about freely without having to do much but keep her in sight and earshot.  That is a freedom I no longer have thanks to a bobcat who finds our neighborhood convenient to his commute.  Clearly, the GOAP method isn’t going to cut it.  Hence, the attempt at Urban Mommery.

Now, I have been making strides….er token attempts at this new method.  I joined a neighborhood mommy Meetup group.  However, after four months, I have yet to actually “meet” up with any of them.  I do find some of the information that is passed around handy if not troublesome (bobcats on the prowl, car break-ins).

I have taken the toddler to the splashpad (fountains) at one of the shopping plazas.  When I was employing the GOAP method, this was akin to letting them play with the sprinkler in the front yard.  Now, for sprinkler play, I would only be able to send them out twice a day for three minutes at a time.  Anyway, sending them out to get soaked at 10:30 pm just doesn’t seem right.   Off to the fountains we go.

It is a pretty nice set-up for a germ-fest.  I just hope that there is enough chlorine in the water to kill the bacteria but not so much to poison the kids drinking it (*shudder*).  I am learning the unwritten dos and don’ts of the splashpad.  Do bring a cup, bucket or better yet a small watering can.  In fact, bring more than one because it can get ugly.  Don’t expect other parents to keep an eye on their offspring.  Nice if they do but…..  Do have an exit plan.  My basic exit plan is usually comprised of some type of bribery…gum, going to get a toy, go look at fish, whatever works. If it keeps you from having to carry a squirming, screeching, exhausted toddler through the parking  lot while strangers deem you to be either a kidnapper or child abuser…. go with it *sigh.*

I’ll get this Urban Mommy thing down.  Hopefully, before she heads off to college.