It’s been one week since my girls finished school. I officially have an 8th grader and a 5th grader. Already, I can tell this summer will be different. The constant chorus of “Mama, can I have a snack?” from earlier years has been replaced with requests to go over to friend’s houses or to meet at the park or to have someone over to swim or to get dropped off at the outdoor mall. It’s more exciting for sure! It also feels faster paced already. (Everyone told me time would fly. And once I got into the second decade of parenting, I conceded that “everyone” was right.)

As with all seasons, I look at the start of summer as a chance to reset. Here are a few things I did last week to begin with a fresh start.

Unsubscribe to all podcasts. I have been doing this twice a year for the past few years and it’s the best. I always clear my podcast follows at the beginning of both summer and winter vacation. Why? When my kids are home all day long, I need a break from other people’s thoughts.