So, it is that time again… SUMMER!

Some kids are already done with school, and many more will be very soon. For most households, this is the season when the predictable routine of the school year gets completely upended.

For some, summer is a welcome break from the daily grind. For others, it can bring on a surprising amount of anxiety. How am I going to keep the kids entertained? Are they going to sleep all day? How am I supposed to work and make sure everyone is happy and occupied?

And if all of that isn’t enough, for those of us (Me! Me! Me!) who like to keep our homes organized and meticulous, they are about to be taken over by messy, wonderful kids every single day.

For me, this is a time to practice a little emotional regulation. When I start to notice all those worries creeping in, I remind myself of something important: the kids are excited.

I also remind myself, and encourage you to remind yourself, that we most likely only get about 18 summers with our children at home. Out of what we hope will be 80-plus years of life, we get just 18 summers. That’s not many.

This is where I try to check myself. This chaotic, crazy-making, beautiful season is limited. The toys on the floor, the endless requests for rides, the extra laundry, the noise, the mess, it all comes with an expiration date. So put on your seatbelt and enjoy the ride.

I also think back to the COVID days, when we all had to adjust after realizing that the “two-week shutdown” was definitely not going to be two weeks. What did we do? We adapted. We created schedules and routines for ourselves and our kids because structure helped us function.

If you’re someone who knows that you and your kids do better with a schedule, give everyone a few days to sleep in, relax, and be a little lazy. Then adapt. Create a summer routine that works for your family. Set some expectations. Add a few extra chores. Help your kids learn responsibility while still enjoying the freedom that summer brings. And then, have fun!

Enjoy the moments. Embrace the chaos. Take that extra-long morning walk. Prepare yourself for your seasonal role as chauffeur, snack provider, camp coordinator, and full-time Uber driver.

If 18 summers is all we get, let’s make the most of them. Happy Summer!