Watching kids on the beach

We’re beginning our third day in the OC and having a nice time. Today we’re off to Knott’s Berry Farm – I had thought of taking them to Disneyland but at $75 per ticket that idea is a non-starter – and yesterday we went to the beach. 

The kids enjoyed the beach the most so far. There’s something about the waves that’s hypnotic, forever the same and yet forever changing, that somehow both excites and comforts children.  Kids who were not getting along start to be friendly again.

On the other hand, for the mom, the beach can be stressful. We must remain ever-vigilant lest a wave carry off one of our offspring. The actual level of threat of this may be far less than some moms believe. After all, I saw plenty of 14 year old boys who had apparently arrived to swim at the beach with no mom in attendance; from this I inferred that at least some moms were willing to trust the sea. On the other hand, the fact that these were 14 year old boys makes me wonder – perhaps the attitude was, acceptable risk?

Balboa Beach on the Newport Peninsula

People who live here know some things that tourists do not think of in their rush to get to the beach. We knew to bring a towel, suit and sunscreen but our hosts helpfully kept us from forgetting the following:

1. Bring a sweatshirt. The ocean can be cold and you may want it after you get out.
2. You may need extra clothes to replace the wet or sandy.
3. There are showers on the other side of the pier.
4. Parking is not free so bring change for the meters unless you want to drive around for half an hour in a residential district and then walk 6 blocks.
5. Bring extra money for food.
6. A detour through the fun zone can keep the kids out of the water and sand for an hour or two if it gets overwhelming.
7. Two hours at the beach is plenty.  After that, lure them away with promises of food.