When I think of summer, I always think of sprinklers and water balloons because that is exactly how I would spend my summers when I was a kid. Running through the wet grass, dirt on my feet, water balloon pieces scattered all over the driveway without a care in the world. Things have definitely changed and I haven’t seen a water balloon in a long time. Not only have I grown up and changed a lot, my summers have also change quite a bit. I find myself experiencing summers in a different way than I used to. Summer is the best no matter what, but if you are reminiscing on those fun summer days as a child, then you may have noticed the vast differences between then and now.

Hanging with friends

When You Were a kid: Hanging with your friends was an everyday thing. You’d call them on their home phone or they would call you, you’d set up a time, and you’d end up biking around all day long, doing random activities. You would never get bored of being with your friends and you could always find something to do.

Now: If you get to see your friends once a week you consider it a success. Everyone is so busy and job schedules get in the way of it all. Any time off that you have is spent sleeping or eating tbh.

Working

When You Were A Kid: Babysitting would most likely occur a few times a month, but besides that, you were unemployed. You enjoyed your carefree summer days to the max, and you really didn’t need money for anything besides the occasional Starbucks you’d get on your bike rides with friends.

Now: Work, work, work everyday and every night. You’re entire summer consists of work. You’re working as much as you can to save up money for the upcoming college semester. You’re having serious FOMO thinking about people enjoying the weather and you’re missing those summers where you did nothing and sat around all day just lounging.

Summer Treats

When You Were A Kid: Ice cream sandwiches, pie, donuts you had it all! Summer was the best for those fun sweet treats, and a Popsicle was inevitable on those hot days in the sun. You’d find yourself reaching for 3 or 4 of those delicious flavored ice tubes and your mouth would be blue by the end of the day.

Now: Sweet treats are definitely still on your radar, but your palette has changed as you’ve grown into an adult. You crave cold watermelon, sweet cherries, cold grapes and tart berries! Fruit is the perfect summer snack that won’t make you feel like a sack of potatoes. But obviously popsicles are inevitable too.

Days Off

When You Were A Kid: Everyday was a day off for you, but on the days that you had no plans whatsoever, your day would be spent moping around, complaining about being bored, trying to find something to do. You would call all your friends, look up on the internet “fun things to do when you're bored” and proceed with your day.

Now: If you ever get a day off, it is spent napping. Your days have consisted of work and only work so you delightfully deserve a good old nap. Naps cure everything. And if your nap only takes up a portion of the day, you find time to spend with your friends or family.

Summer Activities

When You Were A Kid: Playing in the sprinklers or jumping on the trampoline were what you’d most likely be seen doing and a slip n’ slide would be your best friend on those hot summer days. Lemonade stands were also likely, but by the time you set it up, you’d have your mind set on a different summer activity!

Now: Lake days are on your mind and sipping a cocktail on a boat is all you’ve been imagining during your days at work. You spend your weekends cruising on a pontoon with a cold drink in your hand, jumping in the water and enjoying the amazing weather.

Going back to school

When You Were a Kid: You dreaded the day that you had to go back to school and your heart would sink every time you passed the school supplies section In stores. You’d try to not think about it, but as it approached, you’d receive a daily reminder from your family members that school is coming up and it’s “back to the old grind!”

Now: You count down the days until you can get back to school. You can’t wait to be reunited with all of your college friends, live at school again and get back into the routine that you love so much. You can’t wait to get back to it all.

As much as you miss those carefree summer days, you still enjoy those busy days at work and the time in between you get to spend with friends and family. Sure it was fun to not have to worry about anything and be crazy all day long, but you are enjoying your busy life and the money that is coming a long with it. Growing up is a apart of life but you can always enjoy a popsicle every now and again.