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Eighteen Summers: A Bittersweet Countdown with Our Kids
When I first became a mom, my oldest was just a baby, and I remember chatting with another mom who already had older children. She said something that stuck with me: “You only get 18 summers with them, and then poof, they’re off!” I nodded, pretending to empathize, while inside I thought school supplies on sale at Target were super exciting—it opened up a whole new shopping adventure for me!
Fast forward a dozen years, and here I am, now the mom of four. It’s become clear that those 18 summers are more of a myth. Between summer jobs, camps, and internships, those lazy days of carefree fun seem to be dwindling fast. My oldest is about to turn 13—yup, I’m officially a mom of a teenager!
And that’s where my reluctance to say goodbye to summer comes from. Sure, I technically have five more summers left, but five feels like a blink. I know she’s not going to want to spend those days at the waterpark or building forts in pajamas with her siblings. Instead, she’s growing up—finding independence, wanting to sleep in, and hanging out with friends. I know we’ve raised her to be self-sufficient and curious, which is great, but I still wish she’d want to join us for crafts and popsicle-stick dollhouses.
The reality of parenting is that it’s not just about what I want. I’m not thrilled about school starting back up because it feels like a chapter is closing, and I’ve never been good at goodbyes.
If you’re feeling the weight of these fleeting summers too, you’re not alone. Remember to cherish those moments and perhaps check out some other helpful resources like this excellent guide on treating infertility. And if you’re interested in home insemination, explore this blog post for more insights.
In summary, as we navigate the bittersweet journey of parenting, we must embrace the moments we have, knowing that they are limited.