#229 Summer Heat and Cherishing Family Time

As summer unfolds its warm embrace, Sweden experienced an unexpected twist in its weather patterns. While the season usually brings sunny days, this year, for the first time, the mercury soared to nearly 30°C—a rare occurrence that took everyone by surprise. The sweltering heat pushed the limits of our fans, which are usually more than sufficient to keep us cool. It was nothing short of a remarkable and slightly crazy phenomenon! 

Amid this unanticipated heatwave, there was a silver lining—I finally had the opportunity to wear all the recently acquired additions to my wardrobe. My son, had a blast playing in the park, exploring the city, and indulging in his favorite treat—ice cream. During our adventures, I stumbled upon the sight of exquisite roses gracing the vicinity near my home. Shades of red and light pink adorned the trees, tempting me to pluck them, but I resisted. I was pleasantly surprised to see that others did too, allowing these roses to flourish as nature intended.

Our city excursion was motivated by a shopping spree, primarily to find some new items. Despite the relentless heat, I felt elated in my vibrant red dress. My recent purchase of sunglasses from Chanel, though initially deemed chic and trendy, now seems a tad larger than what I had envisioned. Thanks to the sweltering weather, I opted for a simple ponytail instead of styling my hair. 

As for my son, he discovered his new favorite toy in one of the stores and couldn't resist playing with it. I count my blessings that he is generally well-mannered. Listening to stories from other parents about their kids' mischievous antics makes me feel fortunate. I firmly believe that children can be more cooperative if we refrain from excessive control or scolding. Every child deserves to feel special and valued. My approach involves taking away his favorite toys if he doesn't listen, a strategy that has proven effective for the most part. It's worth noting that he can become irritable and difficult when he's hungry or tired, so we always prepare for outings with snacks and his beloved toys in my bag.

Ultimately, the key to a happier child is to listen, empathize, and adapt to their needs. By being attuned to my sons cues and needs, we ensure a smoother and more enjoyable experience during our outings, especially on long journeys and city adventures.