Back in May I had a little mom-xiety attack. C, my oldest, would be off to kindergarten in the Fall. Kindergarten. Like 5-days a week, all-day kindergarten!! No more playdates on a Tuesday morning. No more choosing a random time of year to go on vacation. No more excursions in the middle of the week. The flexible schedule we had for the past five years was over! Done-zo. Finito!
Had I done enough to take advantage of it?
Probably. Probably more than enough. But in life’s big moments like this the mom-xiety makes me question everything.
I’m not a mom that constantly entertains my kids. They spend a lot of time on their own playing with toys, watching movies, and playing outside. But my judgment was clouded and I decided this summer would be the exception. Despite being 7 months pregnant, I would make this the BEST. SUMMER. EVER. No regrets!! We’d hit up every kid-friendly attraction in a 25 mile radius, and we’d list them all on a Pinterest-inspired chalkboard (complete with colorful doodles and fabric bunting).
Well…
The chalkboard list never got made.
We made it to maybe three of the 20+ kid attractions I had intended to visit.
And before I knew it, summer was over.
I felt bad at first because we didn’t complete Operation BEST SUMMER EVER. We never went to visit the Science Center, Zoo, Botanical Gardens, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Lake Farm Park, Tow Path, Wildwater Kingdom and the slew of other places I had on my mental list.
But then I sat down to talk with C about the summer and get his take on it. I asked him what he enjoyed most, and his answers surprised me! They didn’t include any of the infamous kid attractions I had put so much importance on.
He didn’t mention our visit to the History Museum.
He didn’t mention Browns Training Camp.
He didn’t even mention the night he got to walk on the field at the Indians game.
What made his List? The fruit flavored popcorn he had at the Westside Market, surfing on a pool noodle at our friend’s swimming pool, catching a ball during our family kickball game, and his most favorite part of summer…
The day his baby brother was born.
Schooled by a 5 year old! It’s not always the big, flashy outings and events that leave an impression on our kids. It’s the everyday moments. The moments that happen without planning. The moments spent with friends, family… and siblings.
Katie Nate
Sometimes it’s hard to remember that what we think our kids will enjoy isn’t really as important to them as it is to us. I’m glad your son still had a great summer!