I'm just going to come out and say it: Summer is overrated [1]. Anyone else with me? I mean, I understand its appeal — the kids are off from school, there's plenty of time to kill [2], and who doesn't love spending days at the beach with the sand between their toes? But there are a lot of us out there who are always pretty darn excited when Summer finally winds down [3], because, in reality, Fall is the freaking best [4]. Not only is the season itself fun, cozy, and all-around amazing (pumpkin spice everything! [5]), but it's also the best time of the year to be a parent. Not sure what I mean? Keep reading for 11 reasons Fall is where it's at in the parenting department.
You Actually Want to Be Outside With Your Kids
It's not too hot, the bugs are (mostly) gone, and running around at the park won't leave with you with major underboob sweat. It's glorious.
You Get to Miss Your Kids Again
Absence makes the heart grow fonder, right? Plus, it's nice to get back into a school routine after a Summer full of "anything goes" kinds of days.
2 Words: Halloween Decorations
Decorating for Halloween [7] is almost as much fun as decorating for Christmas. You can get as creepy or as cute as you want, depending on your kids' ages, AND you can go all-out if you throw them a little Halloween party.
It's Perfectly Acceptable For You to Go Trick-or-Treating Again
No one is going to judge you for dressing up and scoring loads of free candy. After all, it's for the kids.
It's Carnival Season
After a long week at school, all of the local fairs, festivals, and carnivals are a great way to spend some time together as a family. Between all of the rides, vendors, and fair food, there's something for everyone.
You Can Bake to Your Heart's Content
Is there anything better than warm apple pie — or warm anything — in the Fall? We don't think so.
Your Kids Actually Eat
Between the structured meal times, baked goods, and, hello, Thanksgiving, it's pretty much guaranteed that even the pickiest eaters will find something they enjoy. And if you're really lucky, it'll be something relatively healthy.
You Can Cozy Up Around Your Fire Pits
What better way to spend a crisp Autumn evening than roasting marshmallows by the fire and telling scary stories?
You Can Pick All the Things
Fall is the time for picking! Kids love picking their own apples, pumpkins, and gourds to take home and eat or decorate.
You Remember the Pure Joy a Pile of Leaves Can Bring
Rake up a few piles of leaves and your kids will be occupied for hours. We won't judge if you take a few dives yourself.
And You Know the Holidays Are Coming Next
The end of Halloween [8] marks the beginning of the holiday season. That means Santa is officially working on that list, and if that's not enough to make kids behave, then I give up.