S.A.P.
The twins, my youngest, will turn five in October. Their baby/toddler years--as well as those of their not much older three siblings--are a fog. It takes some purposeful digging in the memory portion of my noggin to drum up particular scenes and minute details. What I DO remember is that during those years, seasons ushered forth little to no change in my daily landscape, other than needing to cycle out seasonally appropriate clothing at polar ends of the calendar year. Otherwise, when moms would be crying as they sent off their children on big yellow containers on wheels in September or exclaimed about the summer time (either by way of celebration or lamentation), it made no difference to me. My little charges were ever present, every day of spring, summer, fall and winter. I remember this, the eternal stretch of months during the tiny people years. Quite frankly, I can't believe I am almost out of that season entirely, with three of my five headed to school this coming September, and the next two, next year. For those still functioning in the fog, you've got a friend in me and you'll never hear me telling you to savor those days even somehow, from a space-like perspective, they do end up staring back at you quicker than you thought possible.
So. Now here I am, in the time of life where seasons mean something. Last week was the last week of school and we made it amidst multiple parties, events and hoopla, most all of which I fervently believe should be replaced with a round of hi-fives and a heartfelt "way to go" to the child who completed a natural course of study. I had been telling folks that I have a feeling that this, THIS will be the summer we really start enjoying ourselves, as our normally early-rising children had been sleeping in (as in just past seven) during the last few weeks of school, leading me to be believe that they might actually SLEEP IN once they could. I allowed myself to envision well-rested children who are growing less dependent on me to dress and tend to personal hygiene enjoying an endless summer chock-full of free time under the warm sun to grow their imaginations (I LOVE this article by Anna Quindlen ).
Naturally, as the first signs of light dotted the eastern horizon on the dawn of summer break, there they stood at our bedroom door with eyes as bright and wide open as Christmas morning. Thus entered the official beginning of what I now call S.A.P...Summer Acclimation Process, a phenomenon which indeed does initially sap one of enthusiasm for the good old summertime. In our home, the shift from regularly scheduled programming to free-range living is NOT seamless and actually is rather shocking to the systems of both the youth and the aged. The ripping off of a Band-Aid from a hairy arm, the first dive off a diving board into chilly water and the first week of summer vacation are all events which have to happen in order to move onwards and upwards. All families are different - some sweet, some spicy and those a little of both, so you might or might not be able to relate to my Google search at approximately 10AM on the first day of SAP:
We started out well. The first hour was so happy. We had a family meeting on the front porch discussing the expected scheduling of our days, the new (289th!) chore chart attempt-magnetized and hanging prominently on the fridge (a sure sign of imminent failure) and a go-around-the-circle moment of sharing hopes and dreams for the summer. But then the sunny day didn't sweep the clouds away like it does on Sesame Street and bickering, boredom and constant requests for food settled in for the week.
Around these parts, the first week of summer has been rainy, humid and downright dreary. At first glance of the forecast I was tempted to complain, but then I considered that perhaps it's just as well we buckle down and get this unsightly, uncomfortable and not-for-public viewing process done with. Gratefully, I am not alone. It is exceedingly helpful to start/join a group text who will lament and laugh with (or at!) you. My dear friends who are this for me are in the same boat and we swapped our survival skills via text this morning...
So. Now here I am, in the time of life where seasons mean something. Last week was the last week of school and we made it amidst multiple parties, events and hoopla, most all of which I fervently believe should be replaced with a round of hi-fives and a heartfelt "way to go" to the child who completed a natural course of study. I had been telling folks that I have a feeling that this, THIS will be the summer we really start enjoying ourselves, as our normally early-rising children had been sleeping in (as in just past seven) during the last few weeks of school, leading me to be believe that they might actually SLEEP IN once they could. I allowed myself to envision well-rested children who are growing less dependent on me to dress and tend to personal hygiene enjoying an endless summer chock-full of free time under the warm sun to grow their imaginations (I LOVE this article by Anna Quindlen ).
Naturally, as the first signs of light dotted the eastern horizon on the dawn of summer break, there they stood at our bedroom door with eyes as bright and wide open as Christmas morning. Thus entered the official beginning of what I now call S.A.P...Summer Acclimation Process, a phenomenon which indeed does initially sap one of enthusiasm for the good old summertime. In our home, the shift from regularly scheduled programming to free-range living is NOT seamless and actually is rather shocking to the systems of both the youth and the aged. The ripping off of a Band-Aid from a hairy arm, the first dive off a diving board into chilly water and the first week of summer vacation are all events which have to happen in order to move onwards and upwards. All families are different - some sweet, some spicy and those a little of both, so you might or might not be able to relate to my Google search at approximately 10AM on the first day of SAP:
We started out well. The first hour was so happy. We had a family meeting on the front porch discussing the expected scheduling of our days, the new (289th!) chore chart attempt-magnetized and hanging prominently on the fridge (a sure sign of imminent failure) and a go-around-the-circle moment of sharing hopes and dreams for the summer. But then the sunny day didn't sweep the clouds away like it does on Sesame Street and bickering, boredom and constant requests for food settled in for the week.
Around these parts, the first week of summer has been rainy, humid and downright dreary. At first glance of the forecast I was tempted to complain, but then I considered that perhaps it's just as well we buckle down and get this unsightly, uncomfortable and not-for-public viewing process done with. Gratefully, I am not alone. It is exceedingly helpful to start/join a group text who will lament and laugh with (or at!) you. My dear friends who are this for me are in the same boat and we swapped our survival skills via text this morning...
There are those among us who seek to set laminated perimeters so that Sanity has the best chance at prevailing (even though it's prospects may appear dim initially) :
There are also those who simply give into the circus...
Then there is the one who has an older stepson and/or babysitter who occasionally watches her young ones so she can work or go out as she did today, to shop for the all-important guest room sleeper sofa. She sent us texts of affirmation as she perused the aisles of new smelling furniture to the sound of easy-listening music. Even though this is NOT her everyday experience, we were both admiring and totally jealous of her for it in the moment.
It is of utmost importance, in such groups during such times as S.A.P. to show acceptance and a non-judgmental spirit because our coping mechanism are as unique as we are. There's no "right way" to push through that first week of the sudden abandonment of normal routine. You just gotta lean into it to push past it in order to get acclimated to the NEW SUMMER ROUTINE which will finally happen...just about a week or two before the return of school.
Here's to drinking up SWEET SUMMERTIME--all of it! These days, full of real life living, are the backdrop for some of the possibly best memories our children will have.
Comments
Loved the read!
Hugs!