Summer has arrived, and I have to say, I truly relish it more than I ever did when my children were younger. Of course, I reminisce about those days when they’d dash around in the sprinkler, creating unforgettable moments. However, I was often left feeling drained and messy.
Now, there are countless reasons to appreciate summer even more:
Reading Together
My kids have grown old enough that we can dive into the same books and share our thoughts on them. It’s refreshing not to have to read the same story aloud dozens of times each night. They’re now capable of reading independently, and sometimes, we all end up in our beds, lamps glowing, quietly engrossed in our own worlds. The sound of a page turning, a soft yawn, or the click of their lamp creates a serene atmosphere that I cherish.
Teaching Life Skills
Gone are the days of changing diapers and wiping noses; these days, I’m helping my daughter learn to shave her legs and my son to groom his mustache. They’ve been dressing themselves for a while now, but they now seek my advice on their fashion choices. Our conversations about relationships have deepened, and I feel like they genuinely listen. It’s rewarding to express my feelings and have them resonate with my older kids.
Playground Freedom
I’m relieved to skip long hours at the sweltering playground. Nowadays, my kids are off biking with their friends. While I didn’t mind the playground too much, especially in summer, I’d much rather relax on my porch with a good book or catch up on my phone. The best part? Even with them out exploring the neighborhood, I can still hear their joyful laughter echoing through the streets. Plus, they’re getting valuable exercise!
Beach Days
The beach has become a breeze now that my kids can apply their own sunscreen and pack their own lunches. They know how to dry off without panicking over sand sticking to them. They are confident swimmers now, which is a huge relief. After years of constant vigilance, I can finally take a dip without the fear of someone getting into trouble.
Sleeping In
They sleep in longer, which means I can too or even sneak in a morning run before they wake. Running was an activity I never thought I could embrace during their toddler years, but now that they’re older, I have so much more energy—not to mention, the thrill of escaping the house for some alone time is invigorating.
Late-Night Fun
We can stay up late together, binge-watching our favorite movies while enjoying popcorn they popped themselves. If exhaustion strikes me, I can simply retreat to bed, knowing they can manage their own bedtime. Often, it’s them tucking me in!
The absolute best part of summer with older kids is simply being together. The school year is packed, and their extracurricular activities can be overwhelming, making me miss them. Summer allows us to slow down, relax the rules, and embrace a more flexible routine—often in our pajamas. This is truly my kind of summer.
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In summary, summer with older kids offers a newfound freedom and joy that I cherish. From shared reading experiences to relaxed days at the beach, the season has transformed into a time of connection and fun.