How Are They So Energetic?

I’m not sure who decided that children should have as much energy as they do. More accurately, I’m not sure why parents have so much less. Perhaps this is more a case of cause and effect.

Whatever the reason, I can tell you I don’t think I’m the only one. Last night, sitting in a Chick-fil-A, because quite frankly I was too tired to think about cooking dinner, I was pondering this question.

I watched, while behind sound-proof glass (God bless Chick-fil-A), my 4- and 6-year-old proceeded to run, jump, climb and chase around Playland. The time was about 6:30 p.m. The kids had not only come off of a weekend in which we’d lost an hour of sleep, but had focused in one full day of school each. After school, we had quickly shuttled off to YMCA swim lessons where they proceeded to swim in constant motion for at least 45 minutes each (while I just watched).

Despite all of that exercise and expansion of energy, here they were, running their hearts out, having a blast, playing with their newfound friends. Me? I was nearly ready to collapse, sitting in my booth, barely able to WATCH them be so energetic, let alone have such energy myself.

Last night’s phenomenon was nothing new, of course. This is rather a daily occurrence. Once 8 p.m. hits, the only one ready for bed is mommy. The daughter, the son, the dog? Nope. They all are raring to go. I’m however ready to drop.

I think that their excitement for life maybe has to do with their lower stress levels. I’m glad they don’t know the “behind the scenes” running of a family. As I handed over my credit card to pay our annual Y bill, my son reminded me he sometimes is a bit more aware than you’d think.
“Don’t max out your credit card,” he warned.

“Thanks, Seamus. I think we are OK.”

Even at 6, he has his own concerns, though.

“Mom, can you come cuddle with me,” he asked when crawling into bed the other night. “I’ve had a stressful day.”

When reviewing what had comprised his “stressful day,” he said that he had a lot of morning work at school and even had to miss five minutes of recess in order to make some up.

I suppose that is relative to my days. I hate how often I have to forego a “good time” in order to accomplish some more work. Maybe that creates higher stress. And maybe that makes me more tired.

I’d go out on a limb and say my kids are also much more in shape. Perhaps if I squeezed in a little more gym time, and a little less pick up fast food, that’d help my energy levels, too.

Whatever the reason, I wish that parents’ energy was at least somewhat near that of a child. I’m not sure how we are supposed to keep up!