Family Views – July 2014

From September to June, we play the part. We diligently go through another school year. We make sure the kids have shining new supplies, presentable clothes, (unless you have teenagers) and healthy snacks, (which is more for us, because we all know they prefer Oreos over homemade anything!) We plan and make it through the holidays by becoming Martha Stewart clones. We welcome spring sports and all the activities that come with the warmer weather with open arms. Then, by mid-June we are worn out! We just spent the school year teaching our kids valuable lessons, like: time management skills, (only hit the alarm clock 4 times,) good hygiene, (have you showered this week?) healthy eating and exercise habits, (eat something green today besides relish on your hotdog and RUN for the bus,) social skills, (don’t pick your nose in public,) human kindness (don’t punch your brother,) self-control (don’t retaliate if your brother punches you,) and the list goes on and on. But, as I reflect on the last 9 months, and all the things I am trying to instill in my boys, in order for them to grow into men that will contribute to society, (my hopes are high,) I find that I often forget to teach them about one thing very important; the art of fun!

I’m able to relax with my friends and have fun, I’m able to watch my boys have fun together or with their friends, but how often do I make sure we are having fun together? Certainly, lessons are taught/learned through bumps along the road of life; however, relationships are built and strengthened during the silly, fun moments. When we’re able to let our parental guard down and just have fun with our kids, sweet memories are made.

My boys love to tell a story about a water fight that took place last summer. Some neighborhood kids, along with my four boys, spent an afternoon filling up a ton of water balloons; they were planning an epic water fight! After all the balloons were filled and the teams were divided, they met to discuss the “rules of war.” My boys foolishly asked me to guard their ammo during said discussion. Another mom and I were chatting as we stood watch, and we both slowly gave birth to the same idea. We could not help ourselves….

We quickly stole every balloon and hid. When the kids returned for their ammo, thinking that an amazing fight would ensue, they were ambushed! We moms threw as many balloons as we possibly could before they even realized what was happening; I would like to think it was minutes, but really it was about 3 seconds. Once the kids caught onto the fact that the moms stole their stash, they all turned on us and charged, (Kudos to us for uniting the kids! What followed was a huge, screaming, running, laughing water fight that did not just end with balloon remnants, buckets and hoses were brought out (the kids meant business!) In the end, the moms got props for the element of surprise, but the kids definitely were the victors. And we all had fun. And the kids still talk about it. And a wonderful memory was made.

My goal this summer is to let a few things go and focus more on having fun with my kids, not just making sure they have fun. I may need to join in the game of backyard football, even if I know I will be sore tomorrow. I may need to start a food fight, (outside,) even though I know it will be a huge mess to clean up. I may need to jump off that high rock into the water with them, instead of just taking pictures, even though the water is cold and I’m really, really scared to do it!

The point is they are only little for a short time, (I only have four summers left with my oldest which makes this mamma’s heart sad.) I pray they will always remember the life lessons I have taught them. I hope they all will be great men, dads and husbands. I know they all have the capability to change the world, but if they can’t enjoy life along the way, and have a little fun in the midst of the heavy things they encounter, then I will have failed to teach a an important lesson that all parents need to teach their children: how to have fun.