Summer is upon us, and I can honestly say I relish it far more now than I did when my children were younger. While I do have fond memories of them frolicking in the sprinkler, I was often overwhelmed and perpetually dirty. Now, with a bit more freedom, summer holds a whole new charm.
Reading Together
One of the greatest joys is sharing books. My kids are finally at an age where we can dive into the same stories and have meaningful discussions. Gone are the days of reading the same bedtime tale fifty times! Now, they can read independently, and it’s a delight to hear the soft rustle of pages turning as we each enjoy our own books in the comfort of our beds. The tranquility of those moments is simply blissful.
Life Skills
Instead of managing diaper changes and runny noses, I’m now teaching my daughter how to shave her legs and my son about grooming. They dress themselves, but now they seek my advice on their outfits, leading to deep, engaging conversations about life and relationships. It feels rewarding to express my thoughts and see them resonate with my children on a deeper level.
Playground Freedom
Thank goodness I no longer have to endure those long, hot hours at the playground. These days, my kids are off biking with friends. While I didn’t mind the playground too much, I much prefer lounging on my porch with a good book or catching up on my phone. And the best part? Even with their newfound freedom, I can still hear their joyous laughter echoing through the neighborhood. Plus, they’re getting a great workout!
Beach Days
My kids have reached the point where they can apply their own sunscreen and pack their lunches for beach outings. They don’t panic when they get sandy anymore, and their swimming skills have really improved. After years of being hyper-aware of their safety, I can finally relax and enjoy the water without constant worry.
Sleeping In
With their ability to sleep in, I now have the luxury of doing the same or even sneaking off for a morning jog before they wake up. I never imagined I would be a runner, especially when they were younger, but now I feel energized (perhaps because I’m no longer chasing after small, energetic children). I cherish those quiet moments when I can sneak out for some me-time.
Late-Night Fun
We can stay up late together, binge-watching our favorite movies and enjoying popcorn that they made themselves. If I’m exhausted, I can simply retreat to bed or doze off on the couch, confident that they can handle their own bedtime. Often, it’s them tucking me in instead!
Ultimately, the best part of summer with older kids is simply being with them. The school year can feel long, and their extra-curricular activities take up so much time that I often miss them. Summer allows us to slow down, relax the rules, and settle into a more laid-back routine, sometimes even embracing pajama days. That, my friends, is what I call summer!
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Summary
Summer is much more enjoyable now that my kids are older, allowing for shared reading, teaching essential life skills, and enjoying freedom without the constant supervision. Late-night movie marathons and the ability to sleep in have transformed our family time into something truly special.
Keyphrase: Summer with Older Kids
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