It’s that time of year again. Graduations, end-of-year parties, half days, school countdowns, seniors riding out their last few days—it’s all buzzing with that electric energy of almost summer.
You can feel it in the air. Parents are asking themselves the age-old question: “What the heck am I going to do with these kids all day?”
There’s summer travel to plan, snacks to pack, sunscreen to reapply, and no matter how exciting it all is… it’s also a lot.
Because let’s be real: Traveling with kids? That’s just parenting in a different zip code — with more snacks, more chaos, and way fewer naps.
My husband and I are about to take our first international trip as a family — and our first since the pandemic. Pre-kid, we were teachers who took full advantage of summer breaks, squeezing in every adventure we could. We had friends wonder if we would ever return home. It feels strange to dust off the passports after so many years, but also exciting.
Before we even get on the plane though, there’s my son’s birthday party (tomorrow), his actual birthday, hosting family, visiting family, dropping off the cat, and managing the clingy phase of “Mommy? Mommy? Mommy?” every time I leave the room.
So yeah. It’s a lot.
Honestly? I write these blog posts for me. They’re reminders to slow down. Because I can get caught up in the go-go-go, not realizing I’m holding my breath until I’m feeling anxious and overwhelmed.
So maybe you need this reminder too:
Take a breath.
Take a moment.
Step outside and notice the breeze (on the rare occasion it’s not humid and 85). Watch the way sunlight dances on the pool water (before your kid cannonballs in screaming about goggles).
The season may be full—make space anyway.
Find your moment.