April Editor's Letter
My mom has always said the parents’ job is to work themselves out of a job. Through the years of being a mom, I’ve seen just how right she is. So much of what we teach our kids ensures that we are no longer needed and that they are able to take care of themselves. From helping them learn to talk and walk, to teaching them how to drive, do laundry and prepare a meal, we parents put a lot of time and effort into making sure our kids are able to survive without us. It’s the way it should go and is the natural order of things, but man, it’s hard! Lee’s Summit mom Allison Gibeson looks at the little ways to let go throughout the years on pg. 48. And I can say that at 50 I still need my mom, so she hasn’t completely worked herself out of the job.
One of the things I like to do when I have a day of nothing planned is take a walk. I have my usual route but often like to mix it up and even head off the beaten path sometimes. I find walking clears my mind and helps me be a better parent. Sometimes kids come with me or sometimes I go by myself. On page 20, Emily Cline shares many ways to spring clean our parenting, including getting some fresh air!
We also are inching closer and closer to my most favorite time of the year, summer! While the lazy days of summer are lovely, I know that kids get bored and will be looking for something to do. Be sure to check out our summer camp guide both here in print and at KCParent.com. You’ll find tons of options to keep kids busy for a week or for an entire summer.
Happy spring and happy Easter, Kansas City!