Summer is upon us, and I can honestly say that I relish this season far more now that my kids are older. Of course, I fondly remember the days when they would dash around in the sprinkler, creating joyful chaos. Those moments were filled with laughter and excitement, but I was perpetually exhausted and often covered in dirt.
Now, there are countless reasons why I appreciate summer so much more:
Reading Together
My kids have reached an age where we can enjoy similar books and engage in meaningful discussions about them. No longer do I have to read the same bedtime story repeatedly. They can read independently, and sometimes we all settle into our own beds at night, each with a book in hand. The gentle sounds of page turns and sleepy yawns create a serene atmosphere.
Life Lessons
Gone are the days of changing diapers and wiping runny noses. Now, I’m teaching my daughter how to shave her legs and my son how to manage his mustache. They’ve been dressing themselves for a while, but now they actively seek my advice on their outfits. We dive into deep conversations about friendships and relationships, and it’s gratifying to feel heard and understood on a deeper level.
Freedom from the Playground
I no longer have to endure hours of sitting at the sweltering playground. Instead, my kids are off riding bikes with their friends. While I appreciated those playground days, I’d much rather relax on my porch with a book or check my phone. Even though they’re out exploring, I can still hear their joyful laughter echoing through the neighborhood—and the bonus? They’re getting some much-needed exercise!
Beach Adventures
My kids can now apply their own sunscreen and pack their own beach lunches. They know how to shake off the sand and are confident swimmers, allowing me to relax and enjoy the water without constant worry. After years of being hyper-vigilant, it’s a relief to finally take a dip without fearing for their safety.
Sleep-Ins
They sleep in later now, which means I get to do the same or sneak in a long run before they wake. I often go for a jog—something I never imagined I’d enjoy when they were younger. Just the mention of “running” used to drain my energy. But now that they’re older, I have a newfound vitality and love those tranquil mornings.
Late-Night Bonding
We can stay up late, binge-watching movies and enjoying popcorn they’ve popped themselves. If I’m too tired, I can simply head to bed, knowing they’re capable of putting themselves to sleep. More often than not, they’re the ones tucking me in!
Ultimately, the best part of summer with older kids is being able to spend quality time together. The school year feels long, and their extracurricular activities often take up precious moments. During the summer, we can slow down, relax the rules, and embrace a laid-back routine that sometimes doesn’t even involve changing out of pajamas. That’s the essence of my ideal summer.
If you’re interested in exploring parenting adventures further, check out this post on Modern Family Blog. And for those considering their own family journey, CDC offers an excellent resource on pregnancy, while Make a Mom is a reputable online retailer for home insemination kits.
Summary:
As my kids have grown older, summer has transformed into a more enjoyable experience filled with shared reading, life lessons, and the freedom to relax. The joy of watching them thrive and connect on deeper levels has made this time of year even more special, allowing us to create lasting memories together without the chaos of their younger years.
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