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What kid doesn’t like some special one-on-one time with their parent? Since I have three little ones (and one on the way!) I try to make an effort to spend some quality time with each of my kids as individuals.
It’s fun to see their personalities shine, to let them have the spotlight, and an added bonus is that every child is like 47% better behaved without their sibling(s) around ;).
Cooper and I have Monday afternoons just the two of us, so I use that time to do practical stuff with him, like haircuts and doctor’s appointments, but I also try to work in something fun and special.
The Global Myopia Awareness Coalition (GMAC) is challenging moms to have a Vision Mission with their kids and Coop and I were game!
We first realized Cooper has less-than-perfect vision from a screening at preschool. Cue mom guilt here – how did I not know he wasn’t seeing well!? Turns out, most small children can’t articulate vision issues, so a yearly visit to the eye doctor is a good idea for all kids.
We visited a Pediatric Ophthalmologist to have his eyes checked further and he does have glasses that he wears occasionally – honestly, we don’t force him to wear them because his health and safety don’t depend on it and we’re confident he’ll come around as he gets a bit older and the glasses become more beneficial to him.
Myopia (aka nearsightedness) is a vision issue in which people can see close objects clearly, but objects farther away appear blurred.
There isn’t currently a cure for myopia and the rate of myopia is growing quickly… it’s partly caused by genetics but also as a result of the major growth of screen time and device use in kids.
One study estimates that by 2050, almost 50% of the global population will have myopia; in 2000, myopia occurred in about 23% of the population. That’s a MAJOR increase!
So Cooper and I had a little day date for his annual visit to the eye doctor (always a good idea before kids start kindergarten!) and followed it up with a visit to the cutest little tree lot to pick out a mini tree for the kids to share upstairs. I have tons of other mother/son date ideas you can take for your Vision Mission below :).
Regardless of whether you’ve seen a sign or think your child(ren) may have myopia, it’s definitely worth scheduling an appointment with an eye doctor to get tested and talk about new treatment options – there are alternatives beyond glasses and contacts that may help slow the progression of myopia.
And afterward, spend some special time together doing something fun or out-of-the-ordinary – makes them way more excited about the next checkup, too!
Mother-Son Date Ideas
Action Mother-Son Date Ideas
- Zip lining
- Hiking
- Go-karts
- Trampoline park
- Horseback riding
- Swimming
- Paddle boarding
- Fishing
- Playing outside
- Mini Golf
- Zoo
- Park
Inside Mother-Son Date Ideas
- Local children’s museum
- Movies
- Board games
- Bake cookies
- Bowling
- Lunch
- Visit the fire station
- Aquarium