by Kelli Bowen
I don’t live in North Dakota for palm trees and sandy beaches, so the 9 cooler months out of the year are generally my jam.
I have come to appreciate summer now as a mom because I get to enjoy summer through my children’s eyes and boy do kids enjoy summer! As with anything in parenting, there’s a survivalist aspect of it, so let me break down for you.
Here are my Top 5 Mom Summer Survival Necessities:
1. Water - hydration is key folks. Hubby and I keep water and water bottles at the ready. We keep a flat of bottled water in the garage next to my car, because it’s the last thing we grab if we are going any distance. We keep flavor packets in the pantry so when everyone is tired of H2O classic, they can spice things up.
2. Sunscreen - I think I ask Miss E every single day when she comes back from her outdoor activities with a tomato-red face if she used sunscreen. She always says no. We do this dance every day when I’m not physically there in the morning to ensure she puts it on. When I am there, step one before heading out the door: put on sunscreen!
3. Snacks - there’s A LOT of running, to activities, appointments, camps and lessons. We need to keep energy and spirits up, so snacks. Pro-tip: keep non-melting snacks in a bag at the ready (crackers, granola bars, nuts, trail mix, etc).
4. Wet wipes/baby wipes - in case the kids get ahold of melty goodness or slide into home a few too many times, a quick way to get clean hands is very helpful!
5. Bug spray - whether we are camping, hiking, going for a bike ride, or watching a ball game, annoying little insects can wreck a good time and cause discomfort later.
That’s what we need to survive…well that and a good helping of patience. I’m sure everyone has their own tips and tricks, so you do you, and get out there and enjoy our short NoDak summer!
Kelli makes her home in Cass County with her husband, two daughters (10 and 6) and two dogs. She works for a regional seed company by day and tries to be an alright mom, wife, friend and writer by night.
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