OMG MELINDA! We had the exact same experience in Madrid a week ago. I couldn't believe it. Only tourists watching the world cup?! We are in Estapona in the south now, where it is a completely different scene--the outdoor viewing of my and your son's dreams--perhaps because there are so many tourists and expats here. But I am still so shocked that the cities do not gather to watch!
This was *so* lovely to read. Kudos to your son for pivoting so successfully—and to you for teaching him how to do that! We had a somewhat similar moment earlier this summer when I managed to sleep through not one but two alarms on my phone, along with my 13yo daughter who had joined me in bed for one last cuddle session before heading off for four weeks at sleepaway camp. The missed alarms meant that she missed her very early morning flight to camp—the camp she has attended for five years and proclaimed as her second home. The distance was not drivable and the next flight wasn’t until late that evening, meaning she’d arrive as a straggler in the dark, missing the entire first day, time to unpack and see friends, etc. She did take a moment to cry and process it—but then rallied and we had a bonus last day together, even ending with her telling me she was grateful to have had more time together. (I’m still in the process of divorcing her very reactive dad, and seeing her remain calm during a very frustrating experience—and even see the positive in it—was maybe worth the shame I felt for sleeping through the alarms—which I have since changed to a loud blaring that could wake the dead.)
This is so interesting to read on many levels. Kudos to your son for adapting to an unexpected reality. It is such a positive opportunity to be able to travel internationally. I grew up in England and I’ve really enjoyed watching my teenage kids observe and analyze the culture there when we visit. There’s something about seeing ‘oh, people here really find X important (or not) compared to in the US’ that brings a lot of maturity.
Hi Melinda. I am from Chile. Your son and you should come to South America to watch a soccer game (specially to Argentina). Any soccer fan should live that.
Thank you for your job putting together science and experience.
This made me emotional! I have a 10-year-old who has been struggling with changes in plans, knowing what to expect, etc. I think summer exacerbates this because there's less of a set schedule. I feel so vicariously proud of your kid!
OMG MELINDA! We had the exact same experience in Madrid a week ago. I couldn't believe it. Only tourists watching the world cup?! We are in Estapona in the south now, where it is a completely different scene--the outdoor viewing of my and your son's dreams--perhaps because there are so many tourists and expats here. But I am still so shocked that the cities do not gather to watch!
This was *so* lovely to read. Kudos to your son for pivoting so successfully—and to you for teaching him how to do that! We had a somewhat similar moment earlier this summer when I managed to sleep through not one but two alarms on my phone, along with my 13yo daughter who had joined me in bed for one last cuddle session before heading off for four weeks at sleepaway camp. The missed alarms meant that she missed her very early morning flight to camp—the camp she has attended for five years and proclaimed as her second home. The distance was not drivable and the next flight wasn’t until late that evening, meaning she’d arrive as a straggler in the dark, missing the entire first day, time to unpack and see friends, etc. She did take a moment to cry and process it—but then rallied and we had a bonus last day together, even ending with her telling me she was grateful to have had more time together. (I’m still in the process of divorcing her very reactive dad, and seeing her remain calm during a very frustrating experience—and even see the positive in it—was maybe worth the shame I felt for sleeping through the alarms—which I have since changed to a loud blaring that could wake the dead.)
This is so interesting to read on many levels. Kudos to your son for adapting to an unexpected reality. It is such a positive opportunity to be able to travel internationally. I grew up in England and I’ve really enjoyed watching my teenage kids observe and analyze the culture there when we visit. There’s something about seeing ‘oh, people here really find X important (or not) compared to in the US’ that brings a lot of maturity.
Hi Melinda. I am from Chile. Your son and you should come to South America to watch a soccer game (specially to Argentina). Any soccer fan should live that.
Thank you for your job putting together science and experience.
This made me emotional! I have a 10-year-old who has been struggling with changes in plans, knowing what to expect, etc. I think summer exacerbates this because there's less of a set schedule. I feel so vicariously proud of your kid!