Why Summer Is Much More Enjoyable Now That My Children Are Older

As summer rolls around, I find myself relishing the season far more than I did when my children were younger. While I fondly recall the days of them joyfully dashing through sprinklers, I must admit that those moments also left me feeling perpetually exhausted and somewhat messy.

Shared Reading Experiences

One of the foremost advantages of having older kids is our newfound ability to enjoy books together. We can now delve into the same stories and engage in meaningful discussions about them. The best part? I no longer have to recite the same tale 50 times a night. Instead, I often find myself in a serene scene where we each settle into our beds, lights on, absorbed in our respective books. The gentle sounds of page turns and quiet yawns create a tranquil atmosphere.

Teaching Life Skills

Gone are the days of changing diapers and wiping runny noses. Now, I have the pleasure of teaching my daughter how to shave her legs and my son how to groom his mustache. They confidently dress themselves and seek my advice on their outfit choices. Our conversations have evolved into deeper discussions about relationships, allowing me to express my feelings and be understood on a more profound level.

Playground Freedom

I no longer need to endure hours at the sweltering playground; my kids are now off riding their bikes with friends. While I enjoyed those playground days, the shift is refreshing. These days, I prefer to unwind on my porch with a book or my phone. I can still hear their laughter echoing through the neighborhood, ensuring they’re active and engaged.

Beach Days Made Easy

With their newfound independence, my children can apply their own sunscreen and prepare their own lunches for our beach outings. They’re not only strong swimmers now, but they also handle sandy situations with ease. After years of being overly vigilant, I can finally relax and enjoy the water without constant worry.

The Luxury of Sleep

Thanks to their ability to sleep in, I can also indulge in a few extra hours of rest or even go for a long run before they awaken. The thought of running used to exhaust me, but now, with more energy (likely because I’m no longer chasing after toddlers), I cherish my early morning runs.

Evening Bonding

Our nights are now filled with late movie marathons and popcorn that they pop themselves. If fatigue sets in, I can simply head to bed or drift off on the couch, comfortably knowing that they can manage their own bedtime. More often than not, they’re the ones tucking me in!

The most rewarding aspect of summer with older children is the quality time we get to spend together. The school year is lengthy, filled with activities that often keep us apart, so summer allows us to relax, loosen the rules, and embrace a new, unstructured routine—sometimes even lingering in our pajamas.

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Summary

Summer with older children allows for shared reading experiences, the teaching of life skills, and the freedom from playground obligations. Independence at the beach and the luxury of sleeping in enhance the experience, while nighttime bonding fosters deeper connections. Ultimately, the unstructured nature of summer provides an opportunity for meaningful family time.