My teens are busy.
Not “I’m bored and have nothing to do” busy. I have three thriving teenagers: 14-year-old twin boys and a 13-year-old girl. I’m talking soccer practice, ballet, golf, running with Dad on Saturday mornings, and whatever else gets added to the calendar at the last minute. And honestly? I’m okay with it. Because I’ve discovered something during this season of parenting teens: I don’t have to sit around and wait for my kids. I used to be the parent who sat in the car, hour after hour after hour, just reading my book and sipping my water. But not anymore. Now, I experience Memphis while they’re living their best lives.
While She’s at Ballet
My daughter attends ballet several evenings a week. Pirouettes, tendus, pointe shoes … She loves it all. And while my daughter is enjoying ballet class, I take to the streets. I love a good, long walk through Overton Park. But if the weather isn’t cooperating, I enjoy some air-conditioned exercise at the Kroc. While I never make it in time to attend their Zumba class, I do enjoy walking on the treadmill. Side note: Their treadmills have built-in fans!
Aldar Cafe: open until 9 p.m.
After my workout, I drive over to Aldar Cafe on Summer Avenue. While most other cafes close around 6 p.m., Aldar stays open until 9 p.m. And don’t worry, I’m not drinking caffeinated drinks. Instead, I’m sipping on Milk and Honey Tea or the occasional smoothie. Besides drinks, Aldar also offers plenty of food. Pizza, maneesh, and bagels are always on the menu. But my favorite go-to meal is the All Day Breakfast with fresh, warm pita bread and a variety of dips and so much more. Plus, Aldar is a great place to study, write, pay bills, or simply relax. The environment is typically quiet, with lo-fi music playing in the background. But be sure to stay up to date on their Instagram posts. They’ll let you know when they’re hosting poetry readings and other community-centered events.
While He’s Practicing His Golf Swing
On other weekday evenings, my son likes to practice his golf swing at High Tee. They have these cool interactive bays where he can select a course and swing away. The system keeps track of all kinds of great data, too. My favorite part of High Tee? They serve really good London Fogs, and they even sell alcoholic and non-alcoholic beers. It’s the perfect place to chill while he works on his swing. And if I get restless? The Novel bookstore is just a few feet away. Everybody wins.
While He’s at Soccer
On yet another weekday, while the other twin is completing soccer drills, I’m enjoying myself in a rocking chair at the Front Porch Cafe.
What do I get there, you ask? An Iced Chai Tea Latte and an Oatmeal Cookie, of course. There are worse ways to spend an hour.
While They Run on Saturday Mornings
On Saturday mornings, the guys leave the house to go running with Dad, leaving my daughter and me to catch up on some much-needed beauty rest. And by 11 a.m., we’re both ready to get up and get our day started. This is the perfect opportunity for us to try new coffee cafes, like Baaloo Coffee Roasters in Bartlett. I love their Adonia Chai and their Honey and Cardamom Latte. It’s sooo good!
When Their Practices Run Long
Their long practices are also good opportunities for me to grab a quick meal with a friend or sneak in a date with Hubby. Restaurants like The Hen House, City Silo, Venice Kitchen, and SOB offer delicious food with speedy service. I can get a full meal in under an hour without feeling rushed. That’s a win in my book!
I used to think making memories with my kids meant taking them somewhere. Now I’m realizing it can be much simpler. Sometimes we’re all in the same place, doing completely different things. He’s playing soccer. She’s dancing. He’s swinging a golf club. And I’m finding my own little piece of Memphis nearby. Maybe that’s what this stage of motherhood is about: giving them room to grow while giving myself room to live, too.
Patricia Lockhart is a native Memphian who loves to read, write, cook, and eat. By day, she’s a librarian and writer, but by night … she’s asleep.
