As June rolls in, I feel like a kid eagerly awaiting the last day of school—filled with anticipation for the sunny days ahead. I imagine the sun shining bright, the sense of freedom, and all the adventures waiting for us. But let’s be honest: dreams and reality can be worlds apart, especially for us parents. Yet, can’t we allow ourselves a little daydreaming? Sure, our summer days will undoubtedly include more than a bit of whining (cue the “I’m bored!” chorus). But there will also be those precious moments worth holding onto. Parenting is a blend of about 75% routine and 25% magic, and that magic often makes the mundane fade into the background—mostly.
So here’s my vision for this summer (with a dash of realism thrown in):
I want to wake up slowly, without the frantic school morning rush looming over me, savoring my cup of tea (even if that means letting the kiddos indulge in a few extra episodes of their favorite show).
I want mornings filled with sprinklers, sidewalk chalk, impromptu dance parties, crafting our own obstacle courses, whipping up pancakes together, relaxing our naptime schedules, and maybe even ice cream for breakfast on a whim (even if my 2-year-old insists that ice cream must be a morning staple for the next three months).
I want afternoons of bike rides, water gun battles, spontaneous trips to the pool (even if sunscreen ends up in my little one’s eyes and they scream for an eternity, and even if I have to lug around towels, bathing suits, snacks, and enough gear to rival a three-day cruise every time we step out).
I want evenings filled with fireflies, breathtaking sunsets, dashing to the ice cream truck, dining al fresco, and long walks to the dock (even if we’re swarmed by mosquitoes, the kids are up past bedtime and a bit cranky, dinner is a buffet for bugs, and I have to carry my little ones home).
I want nights where they sleep like logs after sun-soaked days, their hair smelling of chlorine and sunscreen. I want to sit by their beds, inhaling their sweet scent, cherishing that this is the only summer they’ll be two and eight years old with their unique passions, quirky hairstyles, and interests (even if I’m utterly exhausted and can barely keep my eyes open long enough to tackle the stack of summer reads I promised myself).
I know that after a few weeks, I’ll start craving a bit more structure, a little less heat, and definitely less chaos. I’ll find myself daydreaming about backpacks, new pencils, pumpkins, and the beautiful colors of fall foliage.
But right now, all I really want is to grab a comfy spot by the pool, kick back, and sip something cold and sweet (even if a wet, sticky child launches into my lap, knocking over my drink and using me as a makeshift towel).
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In summary, this summer, I’m embracing the chaos and the magic, the wild adventures and the quiet moments, because each day is a new opportunity to create unforgettable memories with my kids.