The other day, I had the chance to visit my brother, who lives in the house where we grew up. We decided to go for a walk—with his kitty!! I never thought I'd find myself pushing a kitty stroller!
As we roamed the familiar streets, we couldn't help but reminisce about our younger days. We talked about the paths we took to school and the neighborhood kids we played with.
At one point, I took a deep breath and savored the moment. It felt so special to be there with my brother, walking down memory lane.
Turning another corner, I heard a familiar sound in the distance. Could it be? Yes, it was! The unmistakable jingle of an ice cream truck, its music slightly crackling yet cheerful, echoed through the neighborhood. I couldn't believe it!
I was transported back to those carefree summer days when I ran inside for loose change to buy a 50-50 bar or a Neapolitan ice cream sandwich.
Oh, how I loved Summer!
Everything was so simple back then. No summer camps, no academic enrichment—just pure, simple neighborhood fun. Playing tag, roller skating, riding our bikes, sprinklers in the front yard—and running toward the ice cream truck!
Our only job in the summer was to PLAY!
So, I know things aren't as simple anymore. Parents and kids are so busy today, moving from one activity to the next: sports camp, dance camp, computer camp, math camp—you name it!
I don't know about you, but by mid-summer, the initial excitement of the season is wearing off. Balancing work, family outings, and the constant hustle and bustle of summer can leave us utterly exhausted.
So, to help us get through the rest of the summer, I say we pause and infuse a little PLAY! Are you game?
Let's revive our summer spirit by embracing the word P L A Y as our guide.
P—Pause and reassess.
Take a moment to breathe and evaluate how your summer is going. Are you overscheduled? Is anyone feeling stressed? Sometimes, just acknowledging that you're stretched too thin can be the first step toward a more relaxed summer.
L—Let go of unrealistic expectations.
It's okay if everything isn't perfect. Let go of the pressure to make every moment "Instagram-worthy." Embrace the messiness of summer. Maybe dinner calls for takeout, and the dishes are in the sink a bit longer—that's OKAY.
A—Accept the "challenging" parts of summer.
We know it's unrealistic to expect every moment to be happy or fun, yet those 'challenging' moments still surprise us. There will be times of disappointment, frustration, and boredom. These moments are a natural part of summer. By recognizing this, we can better manage our expectations and create space to help our kids (and ourselves) regulate through the tough times.
Y—Yearn for simple joys.
Rediscover the simple pleasures: picnics at the park, board games, or evening walks. These activities don't demand much, but they create lasting memories and help everyone feel more connected.
Let's make a pact to embrace the rest of this summer with a spirit of PLAY. Allow yourselves and your families to pause, let go, accept, and yearn for the simple joys.
Remember, it's not about having a perfect summer but about creating moments of connection and joy amidst the chaos. As you navigate the remaining summer days, I hope you find opportunities to play, relax, and cherish the little things.
Let's make this summer memorable, one playful moment at a time.
Warmly,
Coco
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