By Crystal howard, LPN
One of the sweetest things about summer is the extra time we get with our kids. The busy school mornings slow down, bedtime gets pushed back just a little later, and suddenly there’s room for popsicle runs, backyard games, beach days, and spontaneous adventures that turn into lifelong memories.
Take this advice from someone who’s kids are grown…we only get so many summers with them while they’re little.
One day the bikes will sit still in the garage. The pool towels won’t be thrown across the floor anymore. They’ll grow up, get jobs, move away, and start lives of their own. Those long summer days filled with sticky hands, laughter, and endless questions will someday become memories we wish we could relive one more time.
That’s why this season matters so much.
Summer doesn’t have to be expensive vacations or perfectly planned activities. Sometimes the moments they remember most are the simple ones — staying up late catching lightning bugs, movie nights in pj’s, trips for ice cream, cooking together, water balloon wars in the yard or laughing until everyone can’t breathe.
Kids may not remember every gift they received, but they will remember who spent time with them.
So, soak up the extra hugs. Say yes to the messy moments. Put the phone down a little more often. Let the dishes wait sometimes. Take pictures but also live in the moment. Because these summers go by faster than we realize.
You blink…and they’ll be grown.
<please hold while I wipe my tears>
So, here’s your reminder this summer:
Make the memories, take the trip, play the games, watch the sunset, and spend as much time with your kiddos as you can, while they still want to spend it with you.
As BC’s we spend a great deal of time making sure patients are taken care of and that they are confident in their skin; this summer take some time for yourself and for your family.