Continued...

But still. Only nine more summers. It really makes me realize that they’re not mine to keep, you know? They’re just stopping by here for me to fill them up with as much wisdom and confidence and love as I can, and then they’re off to live their lives. So, here’s what I’m going to do to maximize these last few summers with my kids.

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1. I’m spending less on material junk and more on experiences. I’m frankly ashamed at the amount of money my family has spent on toys, games, and gadgets, and for what? They get tossed aside for the next cool thing, and it all gets tossed in the donate bin eventually. It seems like such a waste, but memories last much longer, hopefully for a lifetime. So we are going to get out there and hike the forests, visit waterfalls, spend some nights on the beach, ride the biggest rides, and see marvelous shows together as a family.

2. I’m prioritizing family time. It’s tough to keep up a regular routine of quality family togetherness during the school year. It seems like, by the time we get through homework and backpack checking and swimming lessons or whatever extracurricular they’ve chosen, there’s not much time for anything else. But summer, sweet summer! Bring on Dungeons and Dragons and Boss Monster. Let’s stay up crazy late and watch The Hobbit movies. Grab your sleeping bag and let’s watch the stars on the trampoline and talk for a couple of hours. Let’s hygge!

3. I’m unplugging. Tumbleweeds will drift slowly by on my Twitter and Instagram accounts. The iPads will be strictly limited. Facebook can wait. Summer is a time for connecting with each other, with nature, and with ourselves. I’ll be logging off and heading outside, and my kids will be leaving their devices at the charging station so that we can ride scooters and dance in the rain. After all, how many more warm rain showers will we have to dance in?

How many summers do you have left?

Rebecca Eanes is the bestselling author of multiple books including Positive Parenting: An Essential Guide, The Positive Parenting Workbook, and The Gift of a Happy Mother. She is the grateful mom of two boys.