5 Ways to Survive A First-Grade Field Trip

Andrea Enright
Sep 6, 2018 · 2 min read
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

It’s not that I don’t enjoy seeing my daughter have fun at a raspberry farm. It’s just that I don’t ALWAYS enjoy doing it with so many other people. So in the spirit of back-to-school. . .here’s how I make it through.

1) Stop the Small Talk.

Just say no. This will work better than the 80s drug campaign. I promise. Refuse to talk about the weather. Instead, ask fellow parents if they dream. See if they’ve ever been to Serbia. Find out how they met their partner. Ask what makes them weird. Some people won’t be talking to you again. Like, ever. Some will — those are the people you might like best anyway.

2) Bring that One Whole Foods Latte that Looks like a Beer.

It’s called LaColumbe. I did this once and it really threw a few people. One parent literally said: Are you drinking a beer? Also, it’s delish and has a lovely little rubber can-top that provides a whole new drinking experience.

3) Have a Dance Party in the Car

During the last field trip, I made sure I had a playlist ready with 10 of my daughter’s favorite songs. Which for us means Charlie Puth, Adele, Katie Perry and Dawes. Turn it up loud (enough). Sing along. Open the sunroof. Keep the windows down for some portion of the ride. (And, of course, be safe while carting other children around.) There will be this strange mix of jealousy and annoyance on most parent’s faces. Act casual.

4) Set Outfield’s “Your Love” for your Ringtone — then Let it Ring

This is already my ringtone, but perhaps you have a favorite song that’s simultaneously obnoxious and nostalgic. I recommend any song they play at baseball games, or anything by Bon Jovi.

5) Wear Bright Rainboots and/or a Flower in Your Hair and/or a Cowboy Hat. Not necessarily together, but whenever I wear any of these things, I get a few strange looks from other parents. Mostly the faces seem to say one of two things: 1) “You seem to be having fun and I’m not.” 2) “You’re weird and I don’t know what to think.” Either way, it’s liberating and helps me be myself.

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