How Kids Changed My Summer Don'ts

1. Don’t wear shorts.

 Skirts and sundresses have been my summer staples for years, until this year. Chasing two kids around and over play structures made me break one of my cardinal rules. There’s a pair of shorts in my summer rotation this year. Eeek.

2. Don’t leave the house without putting on sunscreen.

Now I make sure everyone is wearing sunscreen, then put more sunscreen in my bag, plus keep a back-up in the car, and try to figure out a way to keep a hat on Dylan’s head that doesn’t involve some sort of adhesive. I’ve had my share of sunburns, and I’m doing my best to make sure my kids don’t have to deal with that.

3. Don’t skimp on the ice cream.

Instilling healthy eating habits in kids who throw any vegetable I try to sneak on their plates directly onto the floor is tough enough without introducing a sugar addiction in the form of creamy, delicious ice cream. Moderation is key here.

4. Don’t turn down the volume on your favorite summer tunes.

It’s easier to say that when your summer jams aren’t the same four songs from the Glee Soundtrack that your three-year old insists on listening to every time you’re in the car. Even Dylan is starting to sing along. Without words.

5. Don’t complain about the weather.

I dislike cold so much that it seems ridiculous to ever complain about the heat, but I’m not going to feel as fondly about those refreshing summer rain showers as I have in the past. I’m counting on lots of park and zoo days this year!

6. Don’t wear Birkenstocks or Crocs unless you’re gardening.

I still won’t be sporting those particular styles of sandal, but I might invest in a pair of cute, yet comfortable flat sandals that aren’t flip flops. My wedges are cute, but they aren’t built for speed, and I’m going to need all the speed I can muster to keep Dylan out of danger this year.

7. Don’t sleep in a tent while there’s a hotel in the vicinity.

I am breaking my camping boycott for the first time in years to take Abbey and Dylan on a one-night camping adventure with their friends Connor and Madison. I hear you can rent tents from REI. I wonder if they’ll just let us camp in the store and call it a day?

8. Don’t let your bra straps show.

I still think this is an important don’t. However, post-nursing, I can’t justify a strapless bra just on the off chance that a tank top strap might slip a little one way or the other.

9. Don’t get dehydrated.

Water’s still key to staying safe in the summer heat, but I’m adding snacks, a diaper, and extra wipes as mainstays in my purse. And a change of clothes stashed in the back of my car.

10. Don’t wear white before Memorial Day.

Hello? I have a three-year old and a one-year old. I can’t wear white EVER.

This post was prompted by Mama Kat's Writing Workshop.

In no way am I qualified to tell you what to do or not do this summer, so enjoy yourself any way you see fit.