Vacation Mode: On
(Written by Emily Thomas)
Ahhh summertime…cue the lemonade, popsicles, sprinklers, bike rides and fireworks. Summer can be such a nostalgic time for all of us. While for children summer can feel miles long with an emphasis on rest and relaxation - adults tend to take a more hurried approach. Eager to get back out into the real world after the year we’ve endured, we have trips to plan and pack for, outings to coordinate, BBQs, camps and playdates galore. The urge to jump back in is hard to contain! It’s tough to not get caught up in the thrill of it all, feeling deprived of outings for the past year can do that to us!
While all this socializing may feel rejuvenating to adults, it’s important to remember that it can be a huge shift for our kiddos. Parents see the ups and downs of this adjustment affecting not just their children, but friends’ children as well. “Normal” life can feel overwhelming and hectic after being out of practice. This month we are going to talk about the importance of relaxation and reconnection when summer feels like it’s moving at lightning speed.
Have Kids, Will Travel: Have the kiddos help plan the adventure. Vacations inevitably have activities that not every person wants to participate in. Even if your family has an agreed upon destination, allowing the kids to have a say in some of the activities to take place can help them feel part of the planning. When they know that there is guaranteed time for something special that they enjoy and look forward to, it can help ease the tension and anticipation of the trip. Including them in some of the decision making can help them feel connected.
Make Time for 1:1: Whether it's learning something new together, sharing in an experience or engaging in a well-loved activity, our kids treasure that special attention and connection they receive when they are solo with a caregiver. It doesn’t have to be extravagant or even planned. A lunch outing, a game or activity that is meaningful to your child, or just snuggling up together on the couch with a pile of books. Seize the opportunity to be fully present and give them this undivided attention - it’s a beautiful thing.
Bend the Rules (just a little): Practice a bit of flexibility to make a special moment happen. Let bedtime slide a little to stay up and catch fireflies one night or say yes to that extra scoop of ice cream. By all means, don't set yourself up for disaster (we’ve all been there!). Be sure it's within your comfort zone and make it work for your family.
Listen + Talk: This is where the magic really happens. Put away the distractions and engage in some awesome conversation with your little ones. Ask them a million and one questions and listen to them tell you all of their brilliant stories and ideas. Then turn it around and tell them stories about your summer adventures and memories from when you were just a kid - let them ask you the million and one questions right back.
Let Your Brain Relax: Take a physical and mental break from all the planning. Let the day take its natural course. I’m talking about a day of no commitment with no agenda. Maybe you end up playing chase running through the sprinkler or maybe it means lounging on the sofa with the AC blasting watching a family movie in the middle of the day. Wherever the day takes you - just relishing in the simplicity of it all is a joy.
Remember to step back and listen to your own inner child when things become too overwhelming. Take a cue from the kiddos and embrace that endless summer feel.
Your friends,
Katie & Claire, Co-Founders, Napp
info@nappnetwork.com