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Sum…Sum…Summertime!

I don’t know who’s happier about school breaking for the summer—me or my two girls. Now, understand that I absolutely love the learning process. I have a degree in education and am an insatiable reader. However, a few things require adjustment during these few blissful months of relaxed schedules and later morning wakings.

First, I’ll have to retrain our dog who doesn’t automatically adjust to our new sleeping times. Apparently his little “let me outside” alarm still goes off as consistently, as it does during the school year. Tapping him on the head like I do the “snooze” button rarely works and seems to only make him jump higher.

Second, I call this the “re-entry” phase. This is when my two girls and I begin spending a lot of time together during the day. Normal conversations could turn into sidelooks, raised eyebrows and noises from the throat that sound like, “grrrrrrrrrr….” At times like this I have to remind each one that we love each other, and that summer provides a great opportunity to reconnect and have fun. Once I mention shopping, attitudes immediately improve.

Third, I evaluate my calendar to make sure that the “lazy, hazy days of summer” stay just that. The temptation to overcommit is great and can quickly turn into a softball-barbecue party-swimming-soccer camp-sleepover marathon that neither refreshes nor renews.

Fourth, I remind myself that time is fleeting. If I don’t take time to teach my children (by example) to appreciate lying in soft grass, watching drifting clouds or soaking in warm sunshine, who will? God made all these things for our enjoyment. Summer is the perfect time to express our thankfulness and experience His creation —even the dog with the tiny morning bladder.

Pam and Kathy’s Tips to a Great Summer

Plan not to plan. Leave purposed times of relaxation in your calendar.
Try something new with family or friends—backpack, paint, sightsee.
Understand the “re-entry” of family being all together again during the day and explain ahead of time your expectations.
Challenge someone to come up with a fun trip using only $25 all day.
Remember some of the best moments are not spent in dollars, but spent in time.
Ask each family member what his/her expectations are for the summer and come to an agreement about realistic planning.
Stop and smell the roses.