School is almost over, and summer is almost in full swing! Most people - meaning those that work a full time job don't really get to enjoy that childlike excitement of no more school (like my husband).
As a Stay At Home Mom (SAHM) I get to relive that excitement every year.
I am a mom who fully embraces the "lazy summer" directive. Meaning I say no to organized sports, to wake up calls, and structured days. At our house we allow our body clock to tell us when we are hungry and tired. I allow my kids to get bored because when that happens they find the most imaginative way to entertain themselves. We don't keep a reading chart, but we read like crazy because there is nothing better to do under the patio umbrella while enjoying a snack. If we want to run, we run. If we want to nap, we nap. I find little bodies grow like weeds during these months and they don't always go by schedules.
The "have to's" that go to "get-to's"
NO more packing lunches YES to pool side snacks and impromptu picnics.NO more morning alarms YES to black out curtains and jammies till noon!
NO more reading log deadlines, weekly or daily math sheets, no more assignment book signatures needed YES to free time reading, math challenges against mom or dad that get rewarded with afternoon movies, and messy science experiments in the back yard, bike rides, and digging in dirt!
I've learned to to embraces the freedom of summer as an adult. My children have taught me the magical view that I once had when I was a child. My goal now is to let them be kids. Unscheduled, and the freedom to just be.
I'm a firm believer in fun, field trips, and fighting the summer learning slope. I'm also a firm believer in teaching them how to not be dependent on being entertained, directed, or scheduled.
Take some time to just be, find what makes you smile, to breathe and enjoy the simpleness of clean fresh days, enjoy your alone time, enjoy your sibling time, enjoy the time with your kids as they learn about who they are with out "being molded".
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