Mama, This One Is For You!
Summer is here in full force. Whether you are working and sending kids off to camp, on vacation, or (sigh) trying to work from home while your kids are home too, you are most likely finding yourself with a different schedule and routine.
I find that there is so much build-up to summer. So much anticipation. Hopes of sunny, tranquil moments, opportunities to recharge for the rest of the year, and core memories created for the kids. Oftentimes, reality hits you hard. Perhaps everyone is a bit sleep deprived from those late summer nights or adjusting to sleeping in a new location. Maybe those unstructured days are leading to less than desirable behavior in your kids.
Here are things I’ve noticed already this summer
- My kids are staying up later and, while I’ve truly enjoyed some movie and game nights, I also miss my quiet evenings with the kids in bed.
- Less structure during the day often leads to less structure with meals. I keep a mental note of what my kids are having and do my best to fill in the gaps, but I have been less on top of MY meals. Too many lunches have consisted of whatever my kids left behind.
- We quickly fall out of the routine of just getting out the door. I usually manage to leave the house armed with the essentials for the kids, but in the midst of it all I forget to put on my own sunscreen or to bring my own water bottle.
- We are preparing to leave for vacation and I know from experience that, in addition to wonderful moments, there will also be sleep deprivation, overstimulation, boredom, sunburns, whining, and fighting.
I am going to be practicing the following
- Leaning into the discomfort
Instead of distracting myself with caffeine, wine, or social media, I am going to try to face whatever the issue is head-on. Maybe that means skipping a planned activity or get-together in favor of rest, or penciling in a block of time to check off some of the items that have crept on to my to-do list. - Setting aside mom-guilt and prioritizing my needs
I would rather leave the house a few minutes later and know that I have the essentials packed for me too. - Saying no
Happy summer memories do not have to be all-out productions. If I feel my stress level rise in anticipation of a packed calendar then it’s time to slow down. - Prioritizing my nourishment
I don’t feel my best on a diet of kid leftovers, so I am going to make sure my fridge, whether home or on vacation, is stocked with the things I know do my body good. You’d be surprised what a hotel mini fridge can hold. - Gratitude
My summer is not going to look perfect, but I am going to practice finding the silver linings in the rainy days, the chaotic travel days, and the too early wake-ups.
Wherever you find yourself this summer, prepare for imperfections. They are to be expected and simply part of the journey. On a good day, they can be learning opportunities, and the rest of the time just moments we need to get through. And that’s ok.