Welcome to a series of blog posts that will be dealing with a topic that strikes fear into the hearts of mothers everywhere: how you as a mom can set up the summer so that your sanity is intact, you actually enjoy your children, and you even make some good memories together. Is this possible, you ask? Absolutely. But it requires creativity, flexibility, and…..are you ready for the “secret ingredient?”
A willingness to rethink what summer means to you and your family.
In fact, let’s start with willingness, shall we? When you think of spending the summer with your kids, what comes to mind? Do you dread the lack of down-time you’ll have now that school’s out? Or do you wonder how many days (hours?) it will take before your kids whine, “Moooom, I’m bored!” Maybe you actually look forward to watching (even joining!) your kids in the sprinkler, or enjoying popsicles.
The first step to creating a great summer is to get clear on where you’re at with it. I’ve got tons of tips for you on how to make this summer a memorable one (and I mean that in a good way!), one that you’ll actually be sad to have end. But first, you gotta know where you’re starting from so you can chart your path.
Guilt-Free Mom Coaching Action: Check in with yourself on how you’re feeling about having your kids out of school and home for the summer. Be honest. What’s your worst fear? What’s your biggest hope?
Then, check back in two days for the first of many “How To Thrive (Not Just Survive) This Summer” tips.
P.S. I admit to feeling mixed. My girls, ages 7 and 10, are delightful (most of the time). They are fairly self-sufficient at this age, which makes life easier. That said, I’m always a little nervous about how to fit in “me time” when we’re all together 24/7. And when I work from home. Overall, I’m looking forward to creating memories. But ask me how I’m feeling in mid July!
