Summer is quickly fading and I feel like I’m among the minority when I say I’m not excited school is starting soon.
Other friends are ordering new backpacks with glee. They bought school supplies weeks ago and they’re crossing off days on the calendar with giddy enthusiasm.
They can’t wait for that first day when family life returns to the predictable structured rhythm of the school year.
And I get it, don’t get my wrong.
Things have been far from idyllic over here.
I’ve done my fair share of yelling and losing my ever loving mind with my 4 kids over the Summer.
I mean seriously, how much effort does it take to remove your soaking wet swimsuit from your bedroom floor or close a freaking door when you go outside?
Our fridge is constantly empty and my grocery bill has been ridiculous. The house is trashed. And I’m really not sure when my youngest two last had a bath.
There have been tech time battles, constant sibling bickering and endless lectures about inappropriate bodily function noises.
But despite all of this, I STILL love Summer and I’m sad it’s ending…..
Eighteen Summers is Not Enough
When I was a new mom, with only my less than a year old firstborn, I remember another mom with older kids remarking to me, “Eighteen Summers is just not enough. Your kids are only home for 18 Summers and then they’re gone. I mean, just gone,” as she snapped her fingers and threw her hands in the air.
I nodded my head and tried to look sympathetic as she went on about time flying and the heartbreak of kids growing up too fast.
In my head, I really had no clue what she was talking about. The fact that Target had set out school supplies seemed kind of thrilling, it gave me a whole new area to browse!
Fast forward 12 years.
Now, I’m the mom of four and I’ve come to realize that you don’t actually even get 18 WHOLE Summers.
As they get older summer camps, mission trips and even jobs all become part of the norm. And those kids you once struggled to keep busy are now busier than you.
I know this because my oldest turns 13 this month.
13, an official teenager, I’ll be the mother of a TEENAGER!
And this is where my reluctance to let Summer go comes in…
So, I technically have 5 more Summers with her, right? FIVE?!
Five is a small number.
I know those days are no longer going to be filled with playdates and trips to the library because she read all the books we got last week, or lazy Sunday afternoons at the beach until sunset.
I’ve seen the shift happening in her this year.
The independence becoming greater, the ability to sleep for 12 hours in a row returning, the desire to be around friends all the time.
I know we’ve parented her to produce some of these results(the independence, self assertiveness, questioning of information) and this is a natural progression….
But I don’t want to stop taking her to the waterpark or the science museum.
I want her to want to build forts all day with her siblings while we hang out in our pajamas.
I want her to still want to watch cartoons and eat popsicles out of little plastic tubes and beg to go play in the sprinklers.
I want her to still think those things are awesome.
But it’s not really all about what I want.
That’s the deal I took when I became I mom.
So, I’m not excited school is starting and Summer is ending.
Because a whole chapter is coming to a close and I’ve never been good at endings.
Did you love this post? Then you should read these too:
The Surprising Thing To Say To Keep Your Big Kid From Growing Up Too Fast
Why I’m NOT Counting The Summers We Have Left
10 Ways To Build A Rock Solid Relationship With Your Teen (or Tween)
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Callie says
I enjoy summers with my kids — now teens. In two years we’ll be packing my oldest up for college. In four years my youngest will go. And yet, 18 years isn’t all we get. It’s all we get of the first act. As an adult with a close relationship with my parents, I look forward to the next phase of my relationship with my kids….and someday their kids. It’s it that I’m rushing through their childhood, but I’m also ok with it’s progress. Spent time with an infant niece this weekend…and realized there were parts I loved about infancy and toddlerhood and early grade school days, but I have two awesome teens that I really enjoy being with. Two amazing, Talented, witty, compassionate teens that still want to hang out and just talk sometimes or do stuff with me…and I want to relish that without regretting or mourning the progress.
Kira Lewis says
That was so beautifully stated and you’re absolutely right. It’s hard to see them grow-up, but it is amazing at the same time. We need to not feel like it’s all going to end the minute they turn 18.
Benita says
Exactly!! You read my mind and heart. I feel desperate to hold on to the last few days…moments together, and I’m praying I spend the time cuddling and making good memories and not yelling, lol. Thank you for your post!!
Kira Lewis says
You’re welcome! We appreciate your kind words. Enjoy the cuddling, but don’t be too hard on yourself if there is a little yelling. 😉
Trish says
I am 100% with you, Michelle. Eighteen summers IS NOT ENOUGH. And I am not at all excited that school has started back up… 🙁 Hugs ~ Trish
Kylie says
Wow, this is exactly how I am feeling. My oldest is starting his senior year in 10 days and my youngest is going to kindergarten in 12 days. I am not a bit ready. I read you post and cried, because I have one year left. I want those lazy days of summer at the pool, traveling to his hockey games, staying up late watching movies and having date night. A wise friend told me ” to not look at this year as a year of sadness, a year of the lasts. Just ENJOY each moment with him knowing there is so much more ahead.” Thanks for this post, as I am in the same boat as you. I am not ready for school to start and summer memories to end.
Pam says
My mom loved having us home in the summer. I’ve heard her remark several times about not wanting summer to end. As a teacher, I learned that not all parents feel that way. I’m happy to see some still do!
Denea Duran says
aww. This is so sweet. I am not there yet because my son is 2! Hugs to you!
Rebecca says
Summers always seem to fly by and it’s always hard to accept that they’re ending, especially when there are so many more memories you want to make with those you love!
Shelly says
I absolutely love Summer. My baby starts Preschool this year and all I keep thinking is, where has the time gone? I still remember her being born like it was just yesterday. I have regret or working while she was a baby. For the past 8 months I’ve had the opportunity to be a stay-at-home and I wish I would have done so right from the start.
Stacey says
I am with you on this one! Summer time is such a great time to spend with your kids. It all starts changing in their teen years when jobs and service trips start to take over. It’s all important and all special – but so bittersweet!
Jaclyn says
Aw this is such a sweet post and so true. I definitely already feel the shortness of childhood and my son is only 2!
Betsy @ Happily Ever After, Etc. says
Wow I don’t even have kids yet and you have me sad over the few number of summers we really have to spend together! Here’s to hoping that you have more days filled with blanket forts and science museums.
susen @Dabbling Momma says
what a great post! My kids are only 9 and 5 but I think alot (too much) about how quickly the time has already gone and when I think ahead to the next 9 years knowing how quickly the last 9 went it’s downright scary. BUT I try to relish in every minute that I can. Your post helped to know there are lots of us who feel this way.
Jennifer Dawn says
I never like to see the summer end either. My kiddos are all still little, so I try to soak up every moment of these wonderful summers! It sounds like you do the same.
Michelle says
I am sad too! I wish we could keep them little longer, I miss the long summers. My boys only get 7 weeks off for summer, it’s not nearly enough to soak it all in! Great post!
Bonnie @ Living a Fit and Full Life says
Wonderful post! I home school but I still have to get up at 5am because all my kids are early risers.
alexandria waning says
that brought tears to my eyes. my daughter is turning 4 next week and it just is too fast. 14 more summers… no! i hope the little things we do together make her happy all the time, but my huz reminds me that she might not always think so. 🙁 #nevergrowup
Nicole Keener says
I’m conflicted about this. While my daughter is bored out of her mind and wants to go back , and I need a break from hearing about Minecraft. I like having her around. I like not having to get up at 5 ha ha
Jennifer says
I have two starting in high school this year, so it is a bit bittersweet for me. We started looking for colleges for my oldest, and it has motivated him to get back into the swing of things. Where does the time go?
Debra says
I am not excited to not see my little one all day! I can’t believe it is starting already!
Alex from Sew, Simmer, and Share says
Aww this is such a sweet post! I don’t have kids yet so I don’t know how it feels, but I like to think that 13 years ago my mom was thinking the same thing about me. She’ll always be your baby girl, even if she forgets for 4-5 years in the middle.
Christine says
I so agree! My kids are still little but even my 8 year old finds ways to ‘escape’ home to go be with his friends instead of me, his mom. I keep asking my younger one to stay little and then he went and had a birthday anyways! lol
maria @ close to home says
Maybe once your 13 year old turns into a 13 year old, you may be glad school started! Trust me my daughter is almost 14 and I think we are all ready to be back on a schedule.
aimee fauci says
I’m not ready for school to start. I am currently a WAHM and I am not sure when I will start becoming an outside of the house working mom. I cherish my summers with my girls. Just watching them not stress about life and giggle.
Janelle says
OMG how sad but oh how sooo true!! Beautiful! It’s made me realize oh so much and I too didn’t even think about it this way. Seriously, kids only having 18 summers. WOW! Thanks for sharing such beautiful insight with us moms the little things like this we totally miss out on and don’t even realize as much.
Barb @ A Life in Balance says
My oldest is 19 this year. It’s been hard to get him to join us when I take the 4 younger kids places during the summer. He’s also been working during the summer for the past 2 years. 18 isn’t really 18. It’s more like 15 or 16.
Alex says
Such a precious post thanks for sharing!
Aidah says
I have a 3 and 1 year old so I am like you when you were a mom of a 1 year old not completely able to relate. Although, I can totally relate to time flying by with your little ones! In a few years I’m sure I will think back to the post and have an “Aha” moment.
Mj says
I’ve never thought about it like this. My oldest is 2 years old and we do tot homeschool. I love the summer but the heat has been to much to enjoy with my newborn so I am actually excited for fall. Now that I’ve taken a minute to process this whole 18 summers (or less) thing… WOW! It really does fly right by. I’ll be sure to cherish each season as they come.
Shannon Peterson says
My son is only 18 months, but I feel this sense of dread like every season because it means that he’s growing older and time is moving too fast!
Yanique says
I feel the same way! We have a few weeks left before school starts but I’m not excited one bit. It all goes by so fast. Before we know it all we will have are memories and photos!
Lauryn Hock says
Wow this gives such a sentimental outlook on moms with kids running around at home all summer! So beautiful.
Kellie Smith says
My son is going into 9th grade. I feel exactly the same as you. No excited. He’ll be gone soon!
Trish says
Yes! Yes! Yes! I am so with you on it all… the summers together even with the wet bathing suits on the bedroom floor, science centers, water parks. All of it.
My oldest is starting his 3rd year of college in 3 weeks. On the same day my youngest starts his 2nd year of preschool. I know all too well how they get from age 4 to age 20 overnight.
And while I am NOT ok with IT. I am excited for IT. For them… for what’s to come. And even with the adventures ahead, I’d like to just stop today. Pause time and savor this moment… grumpypants and all. 🙂
Carrie says
What a great post!! I am always mixed about it. I am ready to have some time for me, but am going to miss her. Our big step this year is full-day kindergarten, but it is only four days, so I’m going to treasure our long weekends this year!
Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!
Katelyn F says
I am so glad you feel this way. There seems to be so many that feel the opposite. You are so right. Enjoy the summers!
Clare says
Oh this makes me feel sad – I don’t want to start counting summers as we’ve almost used two up already.
Jennifer Dawn says
Beautiful post! I agree! It is sad to see it come to a close.
AmieJo says
My kids are still little but I know that when they are in school I will miss our summers and not want them to end as well. Thanks for sharing this.
Made From Pinterest says
I agree, back-to-school time is always a bittersweet one for me!
Julie Jordan Scott says
This Summer went crazy fast. My middle child is starting her senior year of high school. We didn’t do any real summer vacation… we had our house rewired… and she proclaimed on instagram this was her BEST SUMMER EVER! which really said a lot to me. At different ages, kids need us to Mommy differently. This Summer, I drove her friends around a lot. I got to know them, I got to know their troubles. They happily follow MY instagram, they talk to me about what I believe (and what they believe.) I’m so grateful for this time being this time… and after this, a whole new adventure begins, right?
Glad to pop over from #sitsblogging, such a great community of bloggers always sharing the love. Happy Week End!
alyssa says
Awe! It is crazy to see how quickly little ones grow up! Even if they drive you up every wall in a 100 mile radius, you gotta love seeing how they grow and love. Good luck with the new school year!
xo
Emma @ P is for Preschooler says
Exactly! With my daughter starting kindergarten, it will be completely different than having her home with me everyday. She’s fine with that, but me? Not so much!
Susen @ Dabbling Momma says
my sentiments exactly!
Antionette Blake says
Be happy, I wish it was us, our youngest is leaving for college on the 27th!! Thanks for sharing at the #WWDParty and have a great school year.
Shell says
I’m so there with you. I’m not excited about summer ending, either. I love the lazy days, the spontaneous moments, just being together. Time is flying by and I’d love more time with us together as a family.
Christa Brown says
I’ve never thought about there only being 18 summers before your kids are gone! And yes, summer can be too busy with all of our commitments. Makes me even more thankful that we are homeschooling! Great post!
Kimberlee says
I agree – I am not real excited about school starting either. I enjoy summer and being around my kids more and not having to do car pool every day – it sure has saved on gas in my big SUV. My oldest is 16 now and did have a job this summer so we saw a little less of him. Band has started for him last week so it is already like he is at school from 8 to 3 last week and 8 to 5 this week. I am sure I will enjoy the house being a little more quiet when the 3 boys do go back in a couple of weeks – truth be told. Enjoyed reading this.
tara pittman says
Time does fly, enjoy those summers. I too like lazy summer days with my kids.
Claire @ A Little Claireification says
Aw, I love this. My oldest is 19 and about to start his Sophomore year in college. Unreal how fast time flies. It’s been nice having him home (mess and all) for a little while this Summer. Thanks for sharing this!! xo