Paint Me Your Dreams

CJ and Ami’s Masterpieces

Summer 2020 is here and although many of us had plans to travel, relax, and create new memories with family and loved ones, the ongoing pandemic has significantly diminished the hopes of any extensive plans for this summer. As a mom of two children under three, I was sad at the thought that I would not be able to partake in all of the fun activities I had planned for the family. As dreams of summer fun faded and the reality of what summer is has settled in, I have realized the importance of recognizing that my children are also feeling the effects of being confined indoors for the majority of the summer. It is very easy to forget that these little people are processing things in their own little minds and need their trusted adults to hold space for them in order to be able to express themselves. And as mommy guilt has ebbed and flowed, I know now more than ever I have to give myself even more grace as I try to work and parent under the most peculiar of circumstances.

In coming to this realization, I decided to shake things up from our daily routine and provide something creative and out of the box to engage my children’s creative side. I grabbed some small canvases from our local craft store, set up a blanket in the backyard with paint and our favorite snacks, and watched my children’s eyes brighten up as their imagination soared and they painted their hearts away. I saw them beaming with pride as they completed their artwork and brought them in the house to dry. It is these simple moments, I realize, that are the true gifts of this particular summer. It is not the most expensive trips or elaborate plans that count. It is the memories, created from the smallest and intentional ideas that create the bonds that will be etched in their little hearts forever. I am looking forward to many more of these moments as the summer rolls on! Cheers to summer 2020:)