TREASURES’ child care director
reflects on family balance
carving out
couple time
By Shelly Schaffer
I often reflect on a toast my in-laws gave to my husband
and I at our wedding: “You must remember to nurture
your relationship so you may successfully nurture others.”
Skip ahead six-plus years, five homes, two dogs, and three
daughters later - I realize I have to do more than reflect
on this sentiment. Amongst managing a home, raising
children and working full time, I dare say a long shower on
a Saturday morning is often my weekly “indulgence.”
We all have stories to share about our lives before marriage
and kids. My husband Brian and I met in Juneau, Alaska
where snowboarding became our favorite pastime after we
learned to snowboard at the city-owned ski hill. Shortly
after meeting, we moved to a remote village in the interior
of Alaska where we spent our free time hiking up a local hill
with our snowboards tied to our backpacks to experience
a brief but necessary pleasure. In our 10 years in Alaska,
before children, Brian and I lived an adventure. We hiked
and camped in Denali Park, kayaked at Glacier Bay, and
snow machined the flat tundra of the North Slope.
I think it’s only human to muse over a time when life was
less complicated and when less responsibility afforded
us spontaneity. However, most parents would agree that
raising children becomes the ride of their life. The trick is
trying to figure out a balance. Brian and I now value lazy
weekends at home watching the children play. We try not
to bombard our free time with too many playgroups or other
social commitments. Throughout the spring and summer
months we enjoy outings to nearby lakes, casual hikes and
visits with extended family and friends. Months tend to drift
by before we realize we have not been apart from children.
Then the temperature drops, the pellet stove is fired up, the
last of the leaves have fallen, and the snowflakes stick to the
bare trees. Ski season is near and the life we have known
for the last 6 months will change! For me, the approaching
winter invokes a congenial response. As childcare manager
at Smugglers’, gearing up for the winter season is allconsuming. As a mom, I enjoy watching my children get
excited over hot chocolate, snowmen and sledding. My 4
year old attends ski school at Smuggs and is already flying
through the woods; she already associates winter with skiing.
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But winter also bestows upon us the balance we need.
My husband and I remember the time spent together
snowboarding in Alaska. As a budding snowboarder, I know
that in the coming weeks, when the trails thicken with snow,
I will be cuddling up next to him on the chairlift in silence,
thinking about our first run of the season. For a few hours
every week, I get to shed my “mommy hat” and worry only
about my route down the mountain and whether or not to
warm up with a hot toddy at the Black Bear. My husband and
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couple time continued ...
I are at our best when we ride together
and in turn, after a few hours apart from
children, become better parents.
One Smugglers’ season
is never enough!
I understand the difficulty of carving
out couple time amidst all the family
commitments. I also understand too well
being conflicted by “mommy guilt”: did
they watch too much television, did I
feed them enough vegetables, did I give
each undivided attention, did I spend
too much time cleaning rather than
playing? The list goes on! What parent
is without worry? Fortunately, rational
thought reminds us that a day without
veggies or spending a few hours curled
up on the comforter watching ‘Wonder
Pets’ and ‘Dora’ is not going to affect our
child’s development. When the ‘mommy
guilt’ is calling I have to remember my
in-law’s toast, be proactive and know
that guilt is a waste of my energy.
I am approaching my 4th winter season as
the manager of TREASURES Childcare
center, and have met hundreds of parents
who suffer from “parent guilt”; grappling
with their decision to leave their children
in our care as they venture out to ski,
ride, snowshoe, or warm up near a fire.
For many, their reluctance is palpable. I
shouldn’t be leaving my children while
on vacation. Peace of mind sets in after
they tour our facility, meet our tenured
staff and watch their children enamored
by new toys, colorful fish, music and
endless affection. The parents reluctantly
leave to pursue their own adventures.
Exuberance kicks in when the once
skittish parents arrive to pick up their
children to find that they ate, napped
and finger-painted, all without tears. I
see my in-law’s toast come to life with
each reconnected family. After a day
and lovingly listen to news about their
child’s day. Some begin arranging plans
for the following day and others are
looking forward to a family dinner at the
Mountain Grille and karaoke night. So,
to all the wonderful parents who visit our
resort seeking balance, I pass the toast
on to you. Take advantage of all there is
to offer here at Smugglers’ Notch. Find
something you love to do together and
become better parents in the process.
Prior to become TREASURES child care
director at Smugglers’, Shelly Schaffer was
a director of an Army Childcare Center
in Fort Greely, Alaska. She’s playing
catch-up this year as last winter she was
pregnant and missed out on a season of
riding. This year Shelly hopes to take ski
lessons in order to ski with her daughters.
in the snow, the parents are revitalized
and jovial. Their worries that were
once all-consuming have dissolved.
They are excited to see their children
Zipline
Canopy Tours
We guarantee fun – in every season!
Summer
Experience our
waterslides, 1,000-acre
mountain playground
and award-winning children’s programs.
A Smuggs vacation will bring your family
together to enjoy all of Summer’s greatest
gifts – including just being together.
Winter
Fall
Smugglers’ Notch offers
a perfect vantage point
for Mother Nature’s
brilliant Autumn display. And an
opportunity to experience a family
vacation you’ll remember long after the
leaves are gone.
Three big mountains.
2610-ft vertical.
One great family
experience. Smugglers’ has been
defining the Winter family vacation
for over 50 years – promising you
memories to last a lifetime.
Discover the excitement of Smugglers’ in Summer!
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1.800.451.8752 // smuggs.com/ess
www.smuggs.com
www.smuggs.com
Love what we do in the Winter? Then join us this Summer for more
family fun and excitement! Talk with one of our Vacation Planning
Specialists while you are here – just call ext. 1389. Be sure to
request your FREE Summer Vacation Brochure and DVD!
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