By the Sea, By the Sea, By the Beautiful Sea

By the Sea, By the Sea, By the Beautiful Sea……

We are so fortunate to live less than a mile from the ocean, and so can use it as a backyard playground. Our own children grew up spending countless hours playing in the sand, jumping in the waves, and crawling among the rocks in search of sea treasure. Because of our proximity, we have not been keen on spending entire days there, though we often encounter families who do. One of the first things we look for, short or long term, is the location of the nearest bathrooms. No matter if the children use the potty just as you are ready to pull out of the driveway…..I guarantee that it will be only a matter of minutes before one announces, “I gotto go!” desperately, and it is contagious. The easiest way to solve it is to be sure a bathroom is within walking distance. However, if you are the only adult with more than one child, logistics become a problem. Look around and try to find another family who will understand your predicament and agree to keep an eye on your belongings, and maybe even older children. Trust your own comfort level on this one! Unless I know the people, I just can’t leave the kids with a stranger, but I do entrust our “stuff” to them, and have not regretted it yet. If you have little males with you, you could bring a “pee bottle”, easily disguised, and discretely have them use it while sitting on a towel or blanket. I suppose if you have a large towel, or umbrella, you could rig something for the females, too. The older they get, the less likely they will be to try this…..

Fancy toys are not necessary. You do need shovels or those hand diggers, which I always buy at half price at the end of the summer season and stash away for the next year. That’s about it. We use various sizes of plastic container, such as from Cool Whip and dips, a few large pails, sometimes some figures from things like the Fisher Price Farm or doll house (to populate the sand castle), a few trucks/cars/plastic vehicles…..all of which can be purchased very cheaply at yard sales, but be sure to boil in hot water before the children play with them as you have no idea where they have been. Chuck, the grandfather, will bury the kids up to their waists, and then design around them: mermaids, cars, etc. They love to have pictures of them like this, and then they love to “unbury” themselves. They build elaborate sand castles, dig deep holes which they amuse themselves for long periods of time trying to fill up with water. They dig trenches down to the ocean and let the tide fill them in. Of course, you can also bring Frisbees and tennis balls and even badminton rackets and birdies, but they present other problems (like watching out for those around you!).

Some other necessities are sun block, applied and reapplied liberally, even if the container says it is waterproof, hats, sunglasses, towels, baby powder (put on sandy feet while sitting on the blanket and the sand will wipe right off….much more practical and efficient than trying to hop on one foot while rinsing the other in the waves or even the tide pool!). Be sure to have wet wipes, insect repellant, band-aids, and a water bottle to be used for washing purposes. You will need juice boxes and finger foods for snacks. Fruit, pretzels, cut up carrots and celery with ranch dressing for a dip, granola bars, almost anything that can be managed in the fingers. Paper plates are not easily managed, and if there is the usual breeze, disaster occurs routinely…..all of a sudden the whole lunch has blown over into the sand….creating true “sand whiches”! Bring tissues and your camera and something for the trash. Try to compact all of this into a single bag for ease of maneuvering. You will need an old blanket or comforter about which you do not care to spread as your base. Try to keep your stuff in one central location, and even if they are constructing at a site some distance away, try to keep returning their tools to the central area.

When you go down to the water you need to be vigilant. At different ages and stages, children will be afraid, excited, maybe even foolish (we had one who just kept on walking, even when the water was up to his neck; we think he was heading for China!). A child who is intimidated by the sound or force of the incoming surf may suddenly be adventuresome and you were complacently thinking he/she would not go beyond the very edge! Some beaches allow boogie boards, and they can be fun as long as the child stays in the general vicinity. It is easy to wander as you are riding the waves, so you need to keep a close eye on the surfer. If you have more than one adult, obviously it is much easier, but it is possible to go and have a good time and stay safe even if you are alone…..well, depending on the number of children, naturally. Kids almost always gravitate towards other kids, too….which can be fine or a challenge.

Have a plan for how you are going to get rid of the pounds of sand they carry home with them, in spite of your best efforts. We use both a hose and sprinkler to rinse off the bulk of the sand before entering the house. This can occupy up to a half hour of "fun in the sun" too!

It is a delightful way to create memories and spend summer time with your grandchildren. Crawling midst the rocks to look for starfish, crabs, and other such sea spawn can occupy hours. Do not plan on doing any beach reading while the grandkids are with you, but you will create lasting memories that are far better.

Tip #25: Going to the beach with your grandchildren is a wonderful way to spend a few lazy, hazy summer hours. The trick is in the preparation and organization. Pack a beach bag or tub into which you place essential beach ingredients (see above) and have it ready to go at all times. Check the weather forecast before setting out so you avoid having to scramble as the dark clouds roll in shortly after you’ve wended your way with all your paraphernalia to a prime spot…..and don’t forget to check on the tides so you don’t just get settled and have to move everything! Above all, dedicate yourself to total vigilance, and get down on your hands and knees and dig along with them. Giving yourself over to the moment, to the situation, will make it all the more pleasant for everyone. Enjoy!