Let's begin with what I mean by “seeing summer as a season”
This is twofold, and both ways of viewing it are extremely helpful for me. First off, summer is one of four seasons. We tend to put a lot of pressure on it, but I think when I remember that it's one of four, the pressure really comes off. Think about it: fall has its own set of expectations…then we head into the holidays. There are things to look forward to and plan in every season. If this summer isn't perfect and doesn't live up to everything you wanted it to, there's three more seasons to come, and then it's summer again!
Secondly, one of the most helpful things I have done to enjoy the summer with my kids is to name the season of life we are in for that particular summer.
Maybe you have a newborn at home.
Maybe all your kids are five and older.
Maybe you're an empty nester for the first time.
Maybe summer camps are in full swing for you.
Maybe you have multiple vacations lined up and therefore the time spent at home will feel really restful.
Maybe you have no vacations lined up and the time at home already feels suffocating.
Whatever it may be for you, naming your season can really help you to practically think of ways to not only survive, but enjoy your summer.
Let's do me as an example:
1. I have four kids that are all walking, talking, and eating people food. Three can make it the whole day without a nap.
2. Three of my four can swim; one cannot.
3. We have a multiple summer trips planned, and a few morning summer camps.
4. Two of the four are in full-day school, so we have friends that we don't see often anymore since the kids are at different schools.
What are likely some stressful options?
-Taking the kids to the pool by myself would likely be ok. It's contained and most can swim. However, taking the kids to the beach by myself would be very difficult. Two want to go out into the ocean, and one needs constant watching so she won't wander off.
-Multiple days in a row spent at home. We all love a rest day, but since three of the four don't need a nap, the days can feel long if we don't have any activities.
What are some good options for us?
-Going to the pool with friends, especially friends we don't see as often because they are at a different school!
-Going to the library. It won't interfere with naps and there's air conditioning!
-Going to a trampoline type jump place or museum to get out some energy.
-Meeting friends for a morning and picnic at the park.
-Going to a coffee shop or restaurant with some outdoor space. This is a major win for us because mom gets a coffee and a break from preparing a meal, and the kids get a nice change of scenery. Bonus if a friend and her kids go with us!
What are some things we can prioritize?
-Since my kids are older and more able to do things like crafts, we can prioritize getting some creative items for our time at home in the afternoon. Beads, things to use with the hot glue gun, refilling the art cart.
-Since they love an outing, we can make a list of some good outdoor food places, get a summer membership to a pool or the trampoline park, and prioritize getting out in the morning and doing something before Alberta's nap.
-I am also prioritizing getting the kids in the kitchen. For this reason, I will likely take more time to cook our meals and ask for their help in the prep. We will also start watching Kids British Bake Off at night – this show always inspires them!
