As far as summer breaks go…
Never have we ever experienced one that flew by so.freaking.fast.
I truly feel like we JUST got on break (my kids do, too ;))…
But alas, in two days… they return.
This summer was bittersweet for me.
It was different from summers of the past.
G was a bit more independent as he’s heading into middle school…
E was focused on friends…
And even my smallest was a bit more free and friend-driven.
Whereas summers of the past had us booked to the brim daily with outings and adventures as the 4 of us…
This summer had my kids wanting more laid back down time and friends joining along the way.
As beautiful as this is…
I feel the transition deeply.
I have had to accept that my “babies” are no longer babies.
My kids are getting to the point where they don’t need their mom to entertain them 24-7.
They still enjoy it…
But, there is definitely a shift.
And I’ve had to work on embracing this new season with them.
Although it’s natural to feel a bit emotional during shifts and changes…
I’ve chosen to fall more into the gratitude bracket.
I’m so very thankful my kids WANT to socialize.
I’m appreciative that they love sharing their stories and ideas with me.
I value each and every deep conversation…
Which happens to be mostly at bedtime. 😉
I savor more than ever the “I love you, Mom”…
And the snuggles and hugs.
I have to smile at the idea of once believing as our kids get older…
They need us less.
They may not need to be fed, changed, and regularly monitored…
But I have found that more than ever…
They need to know I’m there for them.
So Friends…
Those of you with kiddos in this transition…
Going from littles to bigs…
Entering the world where they realize not everything is butterflies and rainbows…
And noticing there is bad with the good…
I encourage you to lean in more than ever…
Be thankful and grateful for the work you’ve done as the parent to lead you up to this point…
And remind yourself to simultanteously allow your kids to experience the world for themselves…
While also allowing them to know you are always there for them…
Whenever desired.
We’ve got this, Parents! 🙂
Believing in us, always.
