When the girls were younger, we used to play a game at dinner called “Rose, Thorn, Bud.” We would go around the table and share something that made us happy (the “Rose”), something that was more of a challenge (the “Thorn”), and finally, something we were looking forward to (the “Bud”). It was such a fun and simple way to get the girls talking about their day—to celebrate the wins, commiserate on the frustrations, and look ahead with a bit of excitement.
As they grew into their tween and teen years, it became a bit trickier to get those open conversations going. Asking “How was your day?” after school was usually met with a tired shrug or a one-word response. But, every so often, there would be nights when one of them would come bounding into my room, ready to share all their thoughts—about friends, teachers, plans, or worries. The only catch? It was usually later at night, right as I was about to fall asleep. Naturally, I would sit up and be engaged because no matter how tired I might have been, I never wanted to miss the chance to listen to anything and everything they were willing to share.
That delicate balance between giving our kids space and staying available when they need us is such a tough line to walk. It’s also something explored beautifully in The Parent Kids Confide In: How to Become the One They Open Up To at Every Age by Shannon Dean. Shannon offers thoughtful insights for each stage of parenting, from preschoolers to high schoolers, about how to stay connected and build trust so that, even as they grow and change, we remain their safe place to land.
Something that always created those “Bud” moments with my kiddos was talking over summer plans. My girls and I would get so excited for the big March SUMMER CAMP issue! We would flip through our Summer Camp Guide together and figure out what cool new experiences they wanted to try that summer, and of course, visit some previous faves. Our Summer Camp Guide really does have something for everyone! From Art Camps to Zoo Camps and everything in between, you will find plenty of area day camps, theme camps, and overnight camps to choose from. So grab your kids and some highlighters and start exploring all the amazing opportunities available.
Of course, figuring out what kind of camp is the right fit may take a little thought. Is your child ready for an overnight adventure away from home? Or would a day camp be a better first step toward independence without leaving familiar comforts of home? If you’re leaning toward the latter, you’ll love Shannon Dean’s piece “Close to Home, Big on Growth: The Power of Day Camp.” It’s a wonderful look at how day camps can help kids build confidence, discover new interests, and develop friendships—all while coming home each evening with stories to share.
And because every parent knows that camp costs can add up quickly, we’ve got you covered there, too. In “Camp on a Dime: Simple Tips for Saving Money on Summer Camp” by Rebecca Hastings, you’ll find clever, practical ideas to help keep your summer plans affordable without sacrificing the fun or the experience.
As I think back on precious late-night and dinner-time conversations, what stays with me most isn’t just the stories themselves, but the connection they created for our family. Whether it’s a game, a late-night chat, or the shared excitement of planning something new, what matters most is that we keep finding ways to listen, encourage, and grow together
Here’s to a March full of roses, a few manageable thorns, and plenty of buds.
Author: Lynn Knighton
Lynn has called the Gulf area home since 2006 with her husband Brad and their 3 daughters. Following the sale of her Abrakadoodle franchise, Lynn still wanted to serve families and help them thrive. Becoming the Publisher of Greater Pensacola Parents was the perfect opportunity. Now she invests into family's lives each month by providing the area's #1 go-to resource for moms and dads.
