Category: Summer and kids
Posted by Larry Herren on Thu, Jul 9, 2009 at 2:59 PMSummertime affords opportunities to create lifelong memories
"Summertime" and the living is easy. I love that song and all its title implies, but in reality it might ought to read that the living is still hectic. I'm grateful, for example, to have warm weather, but while my driveway is absent of snow, there remains grass to mow, household chores to attend to and the last time I checked, I don't have enough money to retire so I continue going to work.
Still, for my family summertime is somehow an easier fit in life. My son, like most children his age, prefers relaxing at home in the morning with cartoons or his favorite toys over hustling to get ready for a full day of school. Summertime seems to allow for a more carefree versatile day in general. "The cotton's high and the fish are jumping," I haven't picked cotton with D.J., yet, but we've sure enough enjoyed our time together fishing and we had a whole new experience with aquatic life in our recent fun-filled trip to New Orleans (thanks Uncle Bob!). Summer is wide open with outdoor concerts, sports and opportunities for riding bikes or countless other activities on and in the water.
I can hear my winter-worshiping buddies, even as I write this, calling me a wimp and reminding me that real "Michigan men" go snowmobiling or skiing and don't take their jackets out of the closet before the temperature dips below 30. They'll argue that ice fishing is every bit as thrilling as anything.
But it's all good. The most important thing is that we use the opportunities every season affords us to spend quality time with our children because like the song says, "One of these mornin's, you're gonna rise up singing. Then you'll spread your wings and you'll take to the sky."
D.J. will be 6 years old this month. I can see so many changes in him even just from last year at this time. He hasn't taken to the sky yet but he's spreading his wings a little more every day. When that day comes that he does "fly," it's my hope that I'll have created the sort of memories that will sustain him and bring a smile to his face that he'll want to share with others - in every season.
Comments
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Summertime
Larry, much agreed summertime is a great time, but with it can bring its own set of hectic schedules and norms. It is wonderful to have great weather, and partake in many of the summer activities such as swimming, baseball, and other outdoor leisurely activities. We should always try to afford our children the best possible opportunities no matter what season we are in. I being a teacher have always enjoyed the "summer's off" with my son Pierce. We do many things together in the summer we wouldnt usually do otherwise, but then again the perks of being a teacher I guess. Anyway, I believe in my heart that everyday should be used to the fullest to give our kids the best. We all know the winters stink here, but finding stimulating activities will help build a well rounded child in the long run :)
Well stated Jeff. Using teachable moments that come up to teach our children something they can use. Loving them through every season and modeling the sort of dedication and commitment that communicates they're worth our time and efforts creates a bond that will serve them for a life time. Pierce is a blessed child to have a dad like that in you.
Thanks for writing in and I hope we'll continue to hear from you.
Larry
Summertime memories
I like the sentiment that your latest blog entry embraces...making memories with our children. Not a day goes by that I don't think about the memories I've made with my family and the memories yet to be made (always something to look forward to!). Spending quality time with my kids often, having fun without distraction, is priceless and I feel it is an important thing to prioritize in every season.
Memories are a blue print! You and your daughters' dad are clearly making memories that will serve them well, already has. They're special little girls that can't miss in adulthood because of what their mom and dad are doing for them.
Thanks for continuing to support this site and sharing your wisdoms with us.
Larry
SUMMER Time
Sometimes I wish our days were a little more lazy during the summer. My wife and I spend so much time shuttling our kids around to their activities that we lose sight of what it would be like to just relax. I personally think that our kids just need to do things like ride their bikes, skateboards, and take in some occasional fishing outings. Cartoons and massive bowls of cereal sound good too. It sounds like you guys have it figured out so I'll keep reading and hopefully learn something.
I don't know that anyone truly has parenting "figured out." I think it's more learn as you go but net-working and staying persistent certainly helps.
I'm glad you found us and hope you will indeed continue reading but also, keep sharing the insights you've acquired by being there for your kids. They sound busy but your wife and you being in the thick of it with them are creating memories and teachable life lessons for both them and the two of you.
Press on and thanks for the comments.
Larry
SUMMER Time
Larry I totally agree. The lazy days of summer , no school , family vacations, fishing, just chillin ! Summer is the time to recharge the batteries and build lifelong memories. Michigan offers many opportunities and is rich in history not only for leisure but a better understanding of our heritage.
Climbing the sand dunes one learns how they came to be, deforestation and its effects on the environment. Our interactions of the past with the Indians teaches us new interactions to learn from our mistakes. Just learning to swim, my father holding my head above the water until I had the self confidence to do it myself. I still remember the self confidence though cautious of when I taught my son to swim. I still have so much to show him, how to hold his head high and push forward. Teaching him to fish,my son has learned to be a more avid fisherman then myself. Lessons learned with Dad on those summertime vacations !
Great examples in how spending leisurely summer activities with our children can be both educational and fun. And clearly, the memories created can last a life time and as you also noted, shared both in stories and traditions with our future generations.
Enjoy your son and thank you for your comments.
Larry
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