Now that summer break is right around the corner, I keep seeing blog posts and memes about how we only have 18 summers with our kids before they leave us.
I beg you, please stop reminding everyone of this. I don’t need to be reminded that time doesn’t slow down and every moment is precious.
Facebook Memories already give me quite a healthy dose of reality every morning. As a working mom, I don’t need to be reminded that while I’m sitting in my office, my children are gleefully playing in the water at summer camp, and I am missing out on delicious giggles and smiles. I am acutely aware that I blinked, and my oldest daughter went from a screaming newborn to a sassy five-year-old.
Yes, we may only have 18 summers with our kids. But the reality is that we could also have less. Some parents may have had only a few summers with their kids, or none at all. Let’s try to be a little more sensitive.
We all know time is precious, without the constant reminder that it is slipping away while we stand still.
Yes, we may only have 18 summers with our kids. But we also have four seasons each year, each special in its own way. We have 365 days (sometimes 366 days) every year to live our lives. We only have 18 years with them before they spread their wings and forge their own lives, but that doesn’t mean they are gone forever.
Yes, summer is a glorious time in Fairfield County, which is full of sun and carefree living. I get it. But for my kids to have a carefree life, I have to work year-round. I don’t have the luxury of soaking up an entire summer with them every year, as much as I wish I could. I have to savor those nights and weekends that I do get to spend with my children.
Moms also don’t need to be reminded to enjoy every single moment with their kids. I am sad to be missing carefree summer moments; however, I am also aware that it is no easy feat to be a mom who is spending 24/7 with their kids this summer.
It can be emotionally and physically draining to be a full-time entertainer, snack-and-meal provider, chauffeur, and referee in the dead heat of summer, slathering on sunscreen all day long.
Do we need to make that mom feel guilty about having a bad day and not enjoying every single moment? Let’s not perpetuate the lie that summer is a completely carefree time. Moms need to know that it’s okay not to enjoy a day (or week!) of summer.
Could we all try to stop worrying about how little time is left and instead enjoy the time we’re given?
If your eyes are always on the horizon, then you can never really slow down and live in the moment. This summer, please don’t see these posts and calculate the math of how many summers you have left with your little ones, or feel guilty about getting frustrated with your kids that day. Just enjoy the moments and be kind to yourself.
