That One Family

There seems to always be that one family wherever you go.

We had a great day out yesterday where, if you hadn’t seen across social media, we went to a wildlife park; I am sure that you will all read about it as soon as I have finished editing the photos!

We had walked around for a little while, seen some lovely animals, when we decided that it was time for our lunch. On approaching the picnic area another family approached the neighbouring table.

The boys opened their bags, pulled out their sandwiches that had been neatly wrapped in Cling film and placed them on the table. They then dug deep into the bag and pulled out their bottles of squash and finally our tub of salad to share between the 3 of us.

We sat in oblivion.

We had our lunch, we ate and enjoyed what was in front of us; well the boys did at least.

I took a glimpse over at the other family and from what I could see it was made up of 2 Mum’s and their combined children (5)

What I saw next was this stark comparison to our little table.

On top of the picnic table was a bright and colourful plastic table cloth. Each child had what can only be described as “School lunch boxes” with neat little boxes inside. They carefully and delicately pulled each box out of the larger container and placed them on the table cloth with such grace that they could have just defused a bomb.

They sat, ate and discussed all the different animals they had seen; my two were just sitting in silence scoffing their faces as quickly as they could.

Both tables seemed to have finished around the same time.

My two picked up their rubbish and crammed it into a carrier bag we brought along. In typical boy sense, they wiped their faces along the sleeve of their jumper before I had a chance to utter the word “tissues”. Finally, on standing up, full and happy, James decides he will take up the stereotypical Chinese custom of burping loudly to show his gratitude.

The other table seemed to work like military clockwork that would rival the Von Trapp family. Each child stood up, went to an adult who had baby wipes to hand and they were cleaned from top to bottom. One of the Mums stood and cleaned up the rubbish where a child then proceeded to take it to the nearest bin to dispose of it. The other Mum had used the remaining wipes to clean the table mat before it was placed bag into their bag.

Each child was inspected, made sure they were ready and spoken to all individually. They all were given the option to change the coats they were wearing to thinner ones, if they wanted their scarfs and hats on or off; my two were still only wearing their jumpers as we decided to leave our coats in the car when we arrived.

I sat and I watched, totally admiring this trip out in comparison to ours. It looked incredible, organised and arranged to perfection. I will be honest, when I saw the table cloth being placed I almost expected afternoon tea and cakes; it was that well presented.

I don’t think this is necessarily a Mum verses Dad thing either, although I am sure people may read this and see it that way; all those supermums out there deserve a high five but I just wasn’t as well organised. Are most people?

The boys had their food, placed upon the open cling film, their drink next to it, a healthy salad and clothing that suited the weather and an opportunity to change if the weather decided to. For me, at least, I thought I had nailed it. Yet, it was a massive step away from the next table.

I wouldn’t necessarily say that I was jealous of what I was seeing, just thoroughly impressed. However, it made me wonder if this is normal for a day out? Am I really that unprepared and unorganised as a parent?

The parallel between the two tables looked like Mary Poppins having tea on the ceiling verses Bert meeting the children down a soot infested ally way.

I know that the worst thing to do as a parent is to compare yourself against another, to equally then compare your children against theirs but besides the lack of a giant neon sign pointing at them saying “this is how you do it” it seemed pretty obvious that our little table fell short; despite the boys being oblivious, fed and happy.

I am hoping, therefore, in writing this that I wouldn’t be alone in how we had our lunch and that we would be fairly standard for a small family day out. Are we? Or is it normal to be this prepared and organised? Have I lost Dad points?

Would love to know your thoughts! Are we ‘that’ family that always look chaotic?