My kids are getting to do some really cool things this summer. This week, they’re starting Grammie Camp, where they both get to spend 4 days with my folks (at separate times) AND later in the summer they get to spend a week with my in-laws. Both my folks and my in-laws live out of state, so this is a pretty cool opportunity for my kids (and us).

And having family live so far away, makes the time we get to see them really special.

It also means that my husband and I have worked to create pretty important support systems around us to help with juggling kids, overwhelming schedules, and emotional overload. We are so lucky to have family that we want to see and hang out with, but not having them nearby has made our local support system even more special to us.

We regularly lean on neighbors to keep an eye on our kids when we’re running home late (or forgot to let the dog out). We celebrate with close friends on smaller holidays when we’re not going to make the trek to see family. We have loving people in our lives that watch our kids so we can go on dates. We have really great friends who are supportive ears when we need a break, a big hug, and a glass of wine.  And we’re pretty proud of these relationships.

I don’t know if you’re like us, and your family lives farther away or if you are lucky enough to have them in your own backyard, but regardless, I know how important it is to have a support system in love.

This week, I encourage you to celebrate that support system. Thank them for all the things they do to help your family (and your partnership) thrive. I know I’ll be doing a lot of that this week.

Now I’m off to enjoy the next week and a half with only one kid home… I have a feeling it’s not going to be as quiet as I think it’s going to be.

Until next week,

-A

P.S. Overwhelmed with the idea of building a better support system OR need to find a better support system? Email me and I can share some ideas on how to get started.