Hey Kids! is a weekly feature looking at what’s coming up for families and kids of all ages.
So. We’ve been sick. As in double ear infections, sinus infection, fever, bronchitis, conjunctivitis sick. And that was just for my son. I managed to rustle up a fever, ear infection and cough myself, and my husband is battling an upset stomach.
Having a sick kid — even when my husband and I are both 100% healthy — is the hardest thing I’ve ever experienced in my life. Kids think of their parents as invincible, superheros, and our — OK, my — inability to cure them is the first proof of fallibility. And a reminder to parents that no matter how much we love them, life happens, and sometimes it’s messy. Sadly, love can’t keep them safe.
But it can keep them strong. He’ll grow up and learn to take care of himself, but I am sure someday in the future I’ll get a call asking for my chicken soup recipe. If it all turns out right — or even good enough.
This week, “good enough” for us was lots of horchata, homemade chicken stock with raviolis from Lucca, and, after two weeks of being homebound, a bit of YouTube. We don’t have cable and the television isn’t usually on when Jasper is awake, so this was a rare treat for him (and a break for his mama). Mostly we watched “railfaning” videos of Caltrain runs down to Mountain View (my husband’s stop), plus cable car turnarounds and a fire engine parade.
Fortunately, I think we are done being sick. I for one am ready to be done with YouTube and building fire stations out of Legos.
I’m ready to try a real Caltrain ride next week. I’m ready for a walk down 24th Street. I’m ready for music class at Parque Ninos again. For a piece of foccaccia from Arizmendi, for a stop by Southern Exposure, for a walk to Dolores Park, just for a sandwich from Tartine, for a yoga class, for a fingerpainting session at Precita Eyes.
Healthy Activities This Week
A key component of keeping physically healthy is mental health and a good support network. This week, Natural Resources kicks off a new Pregnant Mom’s Support Group (along with a greatly expanded class offering).
Pregnant Mom’s Support Group. Tuesdays, 1:30-2:30 p.m. $10-15 (drop-in). Natural Resources. 1367 Valencia Street at 25th.
Curiosity keeps our brains healthy…art provides alternative opportunities…biking keeps the body healthy. This week, CJM brings these all together with the Lucky Monkey Bike Film Festival: ride your bike, get a discount, see some short films featuring Curious George. The Curious George exhibit is wrapping up soon (March 13), so this is a great excuse/opportunity to get over there before it is too late.
Lucky Monkey Bike Festival. Thursday, March 3, 5-8 p.m., and Sunday, March 6, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission with bike. Contemporary Jewish Museum. 735 Mission Street at Third.
Lastly, the big news on the MissionParents list lately is the impending merger of Buena Vista Alternative Elementary School with the Horace Mann Middle School. There are a lot of unknowns, and a lot of questions flying around the list. Get your answers this week at Buena Vista’s community forum.
Reunión de la Comunidad. Monday, February 28, 6-8 p.m. Childcare and translation provided. Buena Vista Alternative Elementary School. 2641 25th Street at Utah.