When I first became a mom, with my barely one-year-old baby in tow, I vividly recall chatting with a mother of older children. She turned to me, her eyes wide with nostalgia, and said, “Seventeen summers is just not enough. Your kids are only home for 17 summers before they’re off, just like that,” as she snapped her fingers. I nodded, attempting to resonate with her sentiment, but honestly, I was still reveling in the thrill of back-to-school supplies at Target—what a treasure trove!
Fast forward a dozen years, and here I am, a mom of four, realizing that those 17 summers aren’t even full ones. Between summer camps, internships, and mission trips, my kids have schedules that are busier than mine ever was at their age. Maybe it’s the impending milestone of my eldest turning 13 that has me feeling a bit more nostalgic this year.
Thirteen—an official teenager! And with that, I find myself grappling with the notion that I only have five more summers with her. Just five? That number feels so small. I know these upcoming summers won’t be filled with lazy afternoons at the beach or spontaneous trips to the library; instead, I can see her burgeoning independence taking shape. She’s reclaiming those long nights of sleep, and her social life is gaining momentum. We’ve nurtured her independence, encouraging her to question and explore, yet I’m not ready to let go of those joyful outings to the waterpark or the science museum. I want her to continue building forts with her siblings while we lounge in pajamas, and to find delight in crafts and popsicle-stick dollhouses.
But the reality of parenting is that it’s not solely about my desires. As the school year approaches, I find myself reluctantly bidding farewell to summer, feeling as though a significant chapter is closing. I have never been one for goodbyes.
If you’re also navigating these bittersweet transitions, you might find support in other related topics. For more insights on family and parenting, check out this post on home insemination techniques. Also, if you’re considering expanding your family, CryoBaby offers fantastic resources for at-home insemination kits. And for those looking into fertility options, UCSF’s IVF resource is an excellent guide.
In summary, the fleeting nature of childhood summers is a poignant reminder of how quickly time passes. As we cherish these moments, we also recognize the inevitable changes that come with growing independence.