As you know, Sam turned FIVE last week, which has me feeling all the feels. Something about five just feels like the end of an era to me. Not only is he not a baby anymore, but he’s also not a toddler or (technically speaking) a preschooler anymore either. He’s a KID, and one day – far too soon – he’ll be a man… It’s almost too much for me to handle. 😉
Really though, when I think about what I want for him as he grows, three words always come to mind: I want him to be KIND, STRONG, and CURIOUS. I want him to, first and foremost, love people. All people. In a world where bad things happen every day and hate often makes the headlines, I want him to be known as a person who sees the good in others and strives to bring it out. I want him to be strong and secure in who he is. I want him to know he is loved and supported in whatever path he chooses for his life. I want him to not be afraid to try new things, to be different, to take chances, to go against the grain. I want him to be bold and adventurous, and unafraid to leave when the time comes. And, I want him to ask questions. I want him to wonder and wander, to dig and get dirty, to PLAY. I want him to stop to notice the little things and never be unimpressed by the intricacies and details in the world around him. I want him to be a learner, an explorer… Someone who looks and really sees. More than sports or academics, more than college acceptance letters or job offers or paycheck amounts, I want Sam to be known for his kindness, his strength, and his curiosity. He can be anything he wants, but I hope he’ll be those things first….
How do we get there? I’ll be honest… I don’t know. We’re taking it one step at a time; and, for now, we’re opting for an extra year before Kindergarten, for less structured sports and activities and more time for free play and imagination, and for a lot of prayer that God will fill in the gaps where Jeff and I mess up. We’re also trying to expose him to lots of things, to give him opportunities to practice and grow these qualities, and to show grace when his experiences and our expectations don’t meet up. We are learning as we go, practicing what we preach, and letting him teach us as much as we teach him. This summer, in particular, I’m trying to focus a lot on finding and making opportunities for Sam to explore and discover. Although I tend to love structure and a packed calendar, I’m finding that he does well with more freedom and time to just BE; and, frankly, it’s really good for me too. So we are collecting caterpillars, coloring sticks with sidewalk chalk, blowing bubbles, and searching for gold (rocks). It’s fun, and we both are growing as a result!
Another big part of raising a strong and healthy kid is making sure he’s eating well and getting all the nutrients he needs to keep up with his growing body and give him LOTS of energy. Recently, Sam and I picked up a bottle of L’il Critters™ Gummy Vites™ to try out this summer, and so far, they’ve been a big hit. L’il Critters™ has been making vitamins and nutritional supplements fun for kids since 1998 and they pride themselves on their ability to see the l’il scientist, l’il explorer, or l’il architect in all children and give them the essential nutrients they need to go on to do big things. As the #1 kids gummy vitamin brand, it contain vitamins A, B-12, B6, C, D, and E, and have only 1.3 grams of sugar per serving (super important to me), no high fructose corn syrup or synthetic dyes. They’re also gluten-free and made with natural fruit flavors that don’t leave a gross or chalky aftertaste. I love that they they help supplement a healthy diet to keep my boy feeling his best, and – let’s be real – he loves that they “taste like fruit snacks.” It’s a win for both of us! I keep our L’il Critters™ Gummy Vites™ in the kitchen by the coffee maker and give Sam two with his breakfast. On the rare occasion that I forget them, Sam is always quick to remind me he needs “his critters.” His favorite is red. 😉 L’il Critters™ Gummy Vites™ can be found at all major retailers (WalMart, Target, CVS, etc.) Add them to your next shopping list and feel good about fueling your little critter with the best!
BlogHer is giving away a $100 Visa Gift Card to one lucky reader to spend on summer fun with your own L’il Critter. To win, all you have to do is leave a comment below telling me what three words describe your hopes for your kid’s (kids’) future. If you’re up for it, I’d also love to know what kind of things you’re doing now to begin developing those traits in them.
In the meantime, check out Gummyvites.com to learn more about the product and grab a coupon for $1 off.
Happy Exploring!
E
This is a sponsored post for which I’ve received free product and/or compensation, but the opinions are 100% my own.
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