It's so much nicer in the summer when your children are teenagers. You don't need to worry too much about childcare. You can leave them with a list of chores. They can make their own macaroni and cheese. Now there is a perk.
Besides all the obvious reasons why summer can show us we have passed one stage with our kids, summer can also show us another.
My children are becoming friends.
Now I have three kids so it happens in different combinations. All three at once getting along is a tall order. You get it.
My oldest turns 19 this month and he has been off to college for a year. That has changed our dynamic. He seems human to his brothers now.
He's always been human to me.
It's that kind of thing. Especially for my youngest, who is 14, he sees his brother as his friend. There appears to be benefit to having him around and not just because he needs a ride somewhere.
I've always had the secret wish that they would get along.
For their sake.
Someday.
When I'm not around anymore.
It warms my heart to know that they just might be able to count on each other.
This summer I can see the possibility. They are more civil. They talk openly about their relationships with each other. They take time to listen to the viewpoint of the other. They tease me about dating. For me . . . not them.
It hasn't always been that way.
But that kind of thing is happening now.
Maybe I can check it off my list. Just maybe.
Until next time,
