With all the hustle, have you taken a moment to stop and think what’s really important this summer?
I miss my kiddos during the school year. I feel like they are gone all day, every day. Even when they get home, things seem hurried and chaotic. And that’s with very minimal after school commitments!
With summer upon us, I try to spend as much time with them as possible. When we are together, I don’t want them to feel like they are on the “errand” bus. So, this year, we decided to sit down and talk about what we really wanted the summer to be like for all of us. This included making a list of what’s important and what are the fun things we want to do to make the most of our time together.
I decided it might be better to talk to them both individually to get their true feelings about our priorities and planning. Much to my surprise, and delight, they both said the same thing.
My son, 7, and daughter, almost 4, both told me that what they wanted most for the summer was to have fun and be with mommy and daddy. When I asked them to elaborate on what they wanted to DO, thinking there would be some mention of toys, places, or anywhere with water – they both said the same thing, “We just want to be with you.”
Be still my heart.
How thankful am I that my kids long to be with me on these lazy days of summer as much as I want to be with them? Just hanging out – no plans, no schedules, no requirements. And on the weekends when daddy is home, fun with the entire family.
So what are we going to do? Play, laugh and enjoy spending time together. A good, old-fashioned summer of fun.
I hope and pray my kids will always want to hang with the parental unit. At least until they get married…that’s not too much to ask, right?
How do you plan to spend the summer and make special memories with your kids?
I love this so much. It’s so true that our kids just want to be around us, especially when they’re little. We need to take advantage of every moment!
Yesterday I was getting a little annoyed that my toddler was being super-clingy and not wanting anyone except for me… but really, this time period moves by so quickly. It took me a minute to put things in perspective and be happy that I had this time with him. Thanks for the reminder!
Kelly, those words are so sweet! Hold them in your heart and enjoy every second — we can’t wait to hear more about your wonderful summer!
A little more time to simply BE – that’s definitely the best part of summer. Great post!
*Be still my heart.*
Those little ones have a great way of putting things into perspective, don’t they?
Enjoy your summer! (And enjoy your little ones!)