I’ve spent a lot of the school year writing about how my kids are growing up so quickly. I’ve lamented about time passing too fast and knowing that soon enough they won’t want to spend time with me. I’ve talked about how I need to treasure these moments when they still want hugs or time to share about their days.
Now, it’s time to put my money where my mouth is. Summer is here and because I purposely try to leave summer days free from too much programming, we are left with a lot of time to be together. My kids are pretty “easy” in that they’ll occupy themselves most of the day.
The boys will play outside or grab Wii remotes and wage epic battles on make-believe basketball courts or fantasy lands of sword fights and princess rescuing. The Girl will read, watch television, make Kidz Views reviews or ask to leave the house for playing at friends’ as often as she possibly can.
I could use all this time for work, chores, or my own pursuit of lazy activities like catching up on Summer Programming DVR shows.
Mom, please have a little fun.
Here’s the thing, just as they will easily occupy themselves, they would all be eager to spend time playing with me. I could get in on the Wii games or the four-square match in the driveway. I could be the manicurist when The Girl sets up all her polishes. We could bake or paint or plan adventures at nearby boardwalks or parks.
They still want to spend time with me and instead of looking at that as a distraction from what I’m “supposed” to be doing, I’m choosing this summer to make it what I’m supposed to be doing. The time for playing with my kids is limited and this summer I intend to capitalize on it as much as possible.
See, I used to be fun!
Today we’ll bond over organizing the house (finally time to swap out winter clothes!) and making lists for summer plans. Tomorrow, we’ll enact said plans and begin our summer of play. I’ll have to let go of the guilt over not doing what I’m “supposed to” and instead embrace my new role as just mom. Instead of laundry, and writing and bill-paying and cleaning while they play, I’ll play right along with them and figure the rest out later.
A mom who plays this summer? I’m not sure who will be more excited about the prospect.
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Yes! I’m trying to do this too. I haven’t perfected it, but I’m making progress. Thanks for the inspiration!
I think we perfect it when we’re dead.;) The trying is what counts for now!
It sounds perfect to me! I love playing with my kids and definitely need to do more of it. The house will still be here when they go back to school. And this year, we only have a three week break, so we are going to make it count!
Whoa! Three weeks? You’re right-enjoy every second!
We are purposely doing the same thing! We decided to skip camps this Summer in favor of just being able to go and do without a schedule! My kids have already been on break for a month and we are having a blast!
That’s inspiring Christina because we’ve only been on break for three days and I’m worried!!