Summer Robbery

And just like that, we are waving goodbye to our kids’ summer break. Goodbye to zoo days; see you later lazy days; "buon viage” to spending countless hours at the pool; so long to summer vacationing; farewell to camping adventures. Ok, maybe I am being a little over dramatic because just because school is in session doesn’t mean you can’t end summer with a splash. There are still warm days ahead and good times we can create with the kids — only with a little more bedtime restriction and structure, that’s all.

I honestly don’t think summer is long enough and I know there are parents out there who would agree and disagree with this statement. It really does feel like kids are getting robbed of their summer. After all of the hard work they put in during the school year, I think they deserve some more time for relaxation and play.

My 11-year-old, Will, agrees with me. As he was polishing o some dreaded summer reading before bed, he asked me how many weeks of summer was left. I told him the answer he didn’t want to hear, and with a disappointed sigh he replied, “Mommy why is summer so short? We don’t get enough summer.” I agreed with him. I felt his pain because I felt it, too. I told him how much I enjoy spending extra time with him and his siblings and not having to worry about a school schedule. I told him it seems fast because we are having so much fun, but I also explained that just because summer comes to an end does not mean we can’t still do fun things.

It’s good to get ready for the new school year and build up excitement for your kids, but don’t forget it isn’t over yet (check out our Big Back-to-School Checklist on page 12for inspiration and guidance!) There is still time to unwind and focus on some family and relaxation time.

So as we get prepared for the new school year and wind in and out of check out lines gathering up school supplies, take a step back and enjoy these last few weeks of summer with the kids; just because you have backpacks filled with pencil cases, markers, notebooks and folders doesn’t mean we need to stop enjoying those precious, final hours of summer.

Take time to splash around at the pool; fill up the water balloons; visit the park; pencil in time for a local outdoor movie; have a family grill out; set up a slip n’ slide in the backyard; or simply be present together at home. Celebrate the final days of summer and the beginning of the school year — the kids (and you!) earned it!