As June approaches, my anticipation grows, much like a child counting down the days until summer break. I find myself daydreaming about the sun-soaked days ahead — the warmth, the freedom, and the endless possibilities for adventure.
However, the idealized summer often contrasts sharply with the reality of parenting. Still, isn’t it nice to dream? Yes, our days may be punctuated by the familiar refrain of “I’m bored!” but there will also be countless moments worth treasuring. Parenting often feels like a blend of 75% routine and 25% sheer joy, where those magical moments have a way of overshadowing the mundane.
Here’s what I’m wishing for this summer, with a sprinkle of realism:
I want to wake up slowly, free from the usual morning rush associated with school, and enjoy my tea a little longer (even if it means letting the kids indulge in a few extra episodes of their favorite shows).
I’m hoping for mornings filled with sprinklers, sidewalk chalk, spontaneous dance parties, crafting our own obstacle courses, cooking pancakes together, relaxing our naptime schedules, and perhaps even ice cream for breakfast whenever the mood strikes (even if my toddler insists on a daily ice cream ritual for the entire season).
In the afternoons, I envision bike rides, playful water fights, and spontaneous trips to the pool (even if applying sunscreen results in tears and I end up hauling what feels like an entire weekend’s worth of supplies just for a few hours of fun).
The evenings should be magical too, filled with fireflies, stunning sunsets, racing to the ice cream truck, dining al fresco, and leisurely walks to the dock (even if mosquitoes make us their target, the kids stay up too late and become cranky, or our dinner is interrupted by uninvited bugs).
At night, I want to watch them sleep soundly after long, sun-filled days, their hair smelling of chlorine and sunscreen. I want to sit beside their beds, inhaling their essence, knowing that these moments — with their specific ages, interests, and quirks — are fleeting (even if exhaustion makes it hard to stay awake long enough to tackle the pile of summer reading I had planned).
I recognize that soon enough, I’ll crave more structure, a break from the heat, and a little less chaos. I’ll start fantasizing about school supplies, fresh beginnings, and the colorful leaves of fall.
But for now, all I desire is to find a comfy spot by the pool, kick back, and sip on something refreshing (even if a wet, sticky child dives into my lap, spilling my drink and using me as a makeshift towel).
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In summary, this summer holds the promise of cherished moments despite the chaos, and as a parent, I aim to savor every experience, from lazy mornings to magical evenings.