The Summer Is Ours

Earlier this week a cousin of mine posted a status update on Facebook that I wanted to share because of the impact it had on me.  The gist of her comment was this -

 

“We have no swim lessons, no soccer camps, and no fancy vacations – no schedule whatsoever.  The summer is ours!” 

My initial reaction was “Boy, do you have it right.”  And it really got me thinking back to my childhood, my own family, and so many other families out there.  Are any of us taking advantage of what is right in front of us?  Are we truly embracing the beauty of not being on a schedule; just letting our impulses control what we feel like doing in that moment?  If we let go of the demanding schedules, the feeling that our children need to be involved in every activity under the sun, will we actually be living more of a stress free life?  Will we start to appreciate more of our time together as a family?  Will we be creating true memories for our children and be there to witness those laughs and their personal triumphs.

 

If there is one thing I have learned in the past four years, it is that time passes way too quickly.  I often reminisce at night, looking back at photos of my children and ask myself what happened and why are they so big already.  Each time I do that, it brings to light how important each and every moment with them is.

I was considering how I could get swimming lessons for both kids jumbled into our weekly schedule, possibly some t-ball in our small little town, and a number of other things.  But after reading my cousin’s comment and giving myself time to reflect; I realize even more that the most important task for the summer is to be present with my kids.  We are going to continue to play outside every night like the good ‘ol days, take more nightly walks to the library or to grab ice cream, build forts in the basement – all those activities that will surely make a lasting impression on our children’s development.  And even more importantly, encourage their imaginations by not living a life of such a dictatorship of scheduling.  They will play like kids should.  I feel more relieved already…