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Every year I teach summer school. It is one of the only ways teachers can make overtime and it is usually a little more laid back. Plus, I love teaching and think it is fun so doing for a few more weeks has always sounded appealing.
Until this year.
This year, I had a baby. As the summer starts my son is 8 months old. A few of my friends said I could teach summer school this year and maybe next year because he won’t remember anyway.
But I will.
Summers are going to be important for us. Some of the best family time will happen in the summer.
I only get 18 summers with him while he is a kid. Every summer, he is going to be getting closer to adulthood. Closer to college. Closer to having a job. Closer to responsibilities.
For 18 summers, I won’t have to share him with anyone and he won’t have to share me with anyone. I won’t be setting alarms, won’t be writing lesson plans, won’t be helping with homework and won’t be worrying about tomorrow.
I only get 18 summers with him to make memories.
This last 8 months have flown by. He’s almost one! I'm going to savor this summer and try to make every moment count and every moment pass as slow as possible.
I’m enjoying every summer vacation I can with him as I know the next 18 years will fly by before I know it.
In 18 summers, he won’t have the adorable chubby legs he has now. In 18 summers, he won’t laugh so hard when we play peek-a-boo. In 18 summers, he won’t want to snuggle up with me. In 18 summers, he won’t be my little baby boy anymore. He will be a man.
I want to savor every moment I can in the carefree summers as I watch him grow and learn and become the man I know he will be.
Making memories with your little one doesn't have to break to the bank. Here are 8 cheap or free activities you can do with your baby and toddler in the first few 18 summers:
Visit a Zoo, Aquarium or Pet Store – Children love animals and so do babies. Zoos, aquariums and pet stores are baby friendly. Although, your baby might be just as fascinated by all the people and other kids as they are with the animals.
Go Berry or Fruit Picking – My husband has great memories of picking fruits and vegetables right from the vines. Either wear your little one and go picking with him or put him on a blanket in the shade and start plucking fresh fruit or berries and putting them directly into your mouth.
Go to the Pool – Fight the heat by cooling off in a pool. Take your little one to a public pool and watch them splash in the water as they watch other children laughing and playing. Or set up a wade pool in your backyard to cool off in a more relaxed and calm environment.
Go to a Farmers Market – Usually farmer markets are pretty baby friendly. There is usually enough room for strollers and lots of vendors that will be excited to fuss over your baby. There are also a lot of smells, colors, fruits and vegetables for you to talk about with your baby.
Go to the Library for Story Time – Story time at the public library is a great way to introduce your baby to other babies as well as develop and foster their love of reading and learning.
Go on a Nature Walk – Spending time outside is so important for babies and toddlers. Get up early and go out for a walk before it gets too hot. Put your baby into a stroller or carrier and let him smell the flowers, listen to the birds and feel the leaves and rocks. Talk about what you see and hear to help your child learn about the world around him.
Go on a Picnic – Put a blanket down somewhere shady and let your little one watch the squirrels, birds and people. Eating outside is a fun way to enjoy the summer and spend quality time at a park or other scenic place with your baby.
Go to the Fair or Carnival – Fairs and carnivals can be very stimulating places. They have a lot to look at, smell, and hear. Make sure you take your baby on a day that he is feeling good, rested and not hungry. Plan ahead so that you don’t end up at the fair with an overstimulated and fussy baby.
What are your thoughts and experiences?