Updated: Aug. 19, 2020
Originally Published: July 31, 2015
Ah, summer—the season that wraps itself around our hearts like a cozy blanket of memories. Forget about all those snowy Christmases, turkey-filled Thanksgivings, or birthday celebrations; nothing quite captures nostalgia like the sweet, sun-soaked days of summer. It’s that perfect blend of glorious weather and freedom from school that makes this time of year the most exhilarating and emotionally charged of all.
As a stay-at-home parent to school-aged kids, I find myself diving headfirst into a treasure trove of summertime feelings every year, almost reviving that same thrill I experienced as a child. When my kids were little, however, summer often felt like a never-ending stretch of unscheduled chaos. With no school to provide structure, I found myself longing for the routine that helped keep everyone sane. City living made it all the more challenging—how do you entertain energetic kids without a backyard to play in?
But now that my children are older and more independent, summers have regained that enchanting glow I once cherished. The beauty of summer is its bittersweet nature; even as it begins, we can’t help but acknowledge its inevitable end. Summer flings, sun-kissed skin, and memories made at camp are all fleeting, and that transience elevates their beauty.
Experiences in summer are uniquely personal and memorable. Free from rigid schedules and deadlines, we explore new paths and redefine ourselves. The resolutions I made in July and August always felt more impactful than those made on New Year’s Day. With no strings attached, I floated through summers, experimenting with different aspects of my identity, feeling liberated from my everyday self.
For many of us, summers shaped who we became: Were you a camp enthusiast? A lifeguard at the local pool? Did your days revolve around the lake, drive-in movies, or summer hiking trips? Even summer jobs had their own charm, allowing us to dabble in adult life without the pressure of commitment. I can’t help but wonder if the competitive atmosphere we’ve cultivated will rob our children of that nostalgic summer essence. Will internships and academic achievements overshadow the joy of crafting lanyards or simply lounging around?
Many parents lament the high-stakes culture we’ve created, and it feels particularly harsh during summer. I sincerely hope we can preserve this sacred time for exploration, relaxation, and, most importantly, the creation of those beautiful, fragile memories that our children will treasure for years to come.
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In summary, summer holds a special place in our hearts, encapsulating the essence of freedom, exploration, and nostalgic memories that shape who we are. As parents, it’s crucial that we allow our children to experience this magic without the weight of expectations, ensuring they carry these precious moments with them throughout their lives.