“Mommy, you’re always busy.” Those five little words hit harder than any deadline ever could. My son’s voice echoed in my head long after he’d gone to bed, and I knew then that something had to give.

So, when the school holidays rolled around, I decided this time wouldn’t be about catching up on chores or sneaking in extra work. It would be about him.  About us! In journalism, there’s no such thing as “after hours.” News doesn’t pause because you’re tired or your child wants you to build a Lego tower.

As my old editor used to say, “News doesn’t wait for anyone.” It’s true, but neither does childhood. And lately, between chasing stories and juggling deadlines, I’d started to feel like I was missing mine.So I made a promise to him and to myself that for this week, I’d switch off completely. No work WhatsApps, no calls, no “just five minutes” on my phone.

For the first time in a long time, it would be all about family.The first two days were blissfully homebound. We stayed in our pyjamas, built Lego cities, watched movies, and responded to snack requests that seemed to come every ten minutes. I could see how much he just needed my presence not the distracted kind, but the real, full-hearted kind.

By day three, we were ready for adventure. We packed the car, dad, big brother, baby, and me and headed to Muizenberg. The plan? To take the newly upgraded train from there to Fish Hoek. And let me tell you, what a win! R40 return for both dad and me, while the boys rode free.

A cost-saving family day out that felt like gold.The excitement was contagious. “Mommy, is this your first time on a train?” he asked, eyes wide with curiosity. “No baby,” I smiled, “but it’s my first time on the blue one. They used to be yellow and not nearly this fancy.” “Is it a fast train?” he asked just as the “choo-choo” echoed through the station. His grin said it all.

The ride was short, but magical. Their laughter filled the carriage, and a quick game of I-spy with my little eye” began, and for those few minutes, the world outside the window slowed down or maybe it was me finally catching up.

At Fish Hoek, we did what any unprepared family does: improvised. No towels, no swimming gear but that didn’t stop us. My boy jumped into the waves in his jockeys, while baby splashed around in a vest. When it was time to dry off, the spare nappies in my bag became makeshift towels. And of course, there had to be ice cream because what’s a beach day without sticky hands and melted cones? Back on the train, we stopped for hot chips and rolls a full meal for under R70.

Simple pleasures, but priceless memories. By the time we got home, my eldest declared he needed a “break from being a big brother.” Apparently, the baby’s habit of “throwing my cars around” had taken its toll.

He packed himself off to Ma’s for the night, while we tried to remember what silence sounded like.

Thursday, we collected him and headed straight to the park. Daddy skated, the boys cycled, and we ended the day with a video game marathon, baby still tossing cars across the room, of course.

Friday was our grand finale: a trip to Strand. The weather was perfect, music in the background, and the car packed with beach toys. Big brother took turns swimming with dad and me, while the baby ate his fair share of sand.

When it was all over, I asked him, “What was your favourite day?” He thought for a moment and said, “All the days, Mommy. Spending time with my family made all the days my favourite.”

And that right there was the reminder I needed news that doesn’t wait for anyone, but neither does childhood. I’m so glad we switched off, tuned in, and just lived together.

tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za

Weekend Argus

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