You may have heard of the 90’s summer trend that is splashed all over social media. The idea of giving our children a summer of freedom, memories, and experiences. Spending most days outdoors, splashing around in the ocean, staying up late making s’mores, backyard camping to gaze at the stars.
Like other moms, I’m so excited for my kids to experience summer time the way I remember it. Other than not having to go to school, the best part of summer was the freedom and unpredictability.
A 90’s Summer
Want to go to the pool first thing in the morning? Sure! Last minute sleepover with your friends? Absolutely! Bike ride to get lunch? Why Not!
Summer days are long and often exhausting. But that is what makes this time of year so memorable.
My summer days started with sleeping in and hopefully waking up to a donut for breakfast. Then, with last minute plans to have a playdate with my cousins, we would spend most of the day outside on our bikes or recording “movies” that we filmed on a camcorder. Lunch would be a burrito from the local spot down the street and a side of dollar store candy.
Once it was time to go home, we would beg for just 30 minutes at the pool. After swimming around, we would walk home, following the smell of yummy BBQ that my dad was cooking up. That smell being the scent of summer, still to this day.
After dinner another round of bargaining with mom and dad would happen. This time, asking to take a drive by the beach and get ice cream. With the windows down and our favorite music playing on the radio, we would eat our Foster Freeze ice cream in the back of the truck, cruising by the beach.
The nights usually ended with a cold shower, trying to get the heat, chlorine and dirt off from the day. Knowing it would all happen again tomorrow… with the possibility of rinsing off some sand from the beach.
My Childhood Summers
This is what I think of when I think back on my childhood summers. Not the grand vacation or the expensive summer camp. But the ordinary days spent outside in the summer heat exploring, adventuring, swimming and playing.
As my children get older, summer time is going to be a time of saying yes and going with the flow. Our kids are going to remember and cherish the spontaneous events and activities we create for them. It’s up to us to make sure they enjoy those long warm summer days because honestly, it’s the best part of childhood!
