As a child, I often found myself bewildered by adults who would passionately discuss the arrival of new seasons. Really? The change in weather is what excites you? How dull.
Fast forward to my adult life, and I must admit, I’ve become one of those people—talking enthusiastically about the seasonal transitions. Perhaps it’s because I’ve grown to appreciate the natural beauty surrounding us, or maybe being a parent has made me acutely aware of how the seasons affect our daily lives. Or perhaps I just find myself easily bored.
Regardless of the reason, I now find myself acutely aware of the seasonal shifts, especially the five phases of autumn:
- The “I’m Done with Summer” Phase
This phase usually kicks off in early to mid-August. The heat becomes unbearable, and we’re all tired of slathering on sunscreen and dealing with the inevitable summer sweat. Even our beloved pool days lose their charm when surrounded by a cacophony of splashing children. The constant bickering among the kids drives me up the wall—seriously, how many more days until school starts? Bring on the autumn! - The “Pumpkin Spice Everything” Phase
Isn’t fall absolutely delightful? If fall were a new crush, this would be the stage where we exchange cute texts filled with emojis. Everything feels magical: pumpkin spice lattes are back, the kids are in school, earlier bedtimes grant us precious evening hours, and cozy sweaters mean we can hide those little imperfections. The excitement of witnessing the leaves change color is palpable. Just imagine the adorable photos of our kids playing in the vibrant foliage! - The “Leaves Are Changing—Oh Wait, They’re Gone!” Phase
This is when autumn seems to lose its charm. Those beautiful leaves? They lasted, what, a day? One moment they’re vibrant, and the next they’re scattered on the ground. Our picture-perfect leaf fights? Yeah, they turned into chaotic stick battles with debris stuck in every possible place. The cool weather gives way to a chill, resulting in daily struggles over why shorts are no longer appropriate. And suddenly, my coffee has more calories than I remember. - The “It’s Only Going to Get Colder” Phase
Here we are, in the thick of it. The temperature is dropping, yet it’s not freezing yet. I might as well enjoy these mild days while they last because soon it will be snow pants and mittens galore. Seriously, where did the kids’ boots go? And why do we have so many mismatched mittens? Ugh, forget it. I’m heading to bed; it may only be 5:30 p.m., but it feels like a long winter night already. - The “Countdown to Summer Break” Phase
It’s cold—really cold. Snow might even be on the ground already! And it’s not even Thanksgiving yet, but holiday music is already grating on my nerves. The routine feels like a grind, and the absence of pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks is a devastating blow. How many days until summer break? The thought of the pool feels like a distant dream, and let’s be honest, autumn has lost its appeal. Winter? Yeah, I’m not a fan.
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In summary, the changing seasons bring a mixture of emotions for parents—from the excitement of fall’s arrival to the longing for warmer days ahead. Each phase holds its unique challenges and joys, reminding us that parenting is a journey through every season.