As spring break draws to a close, thoughts of summer plans begin to dominate my mind. With the school year winding down in less than two months, I find myself reflecting on how our family will spend the summer months.
Living in a community rich in diverse and affordable summer activities—from swimming lessons to cooking classes and various sports—has historically kept my calendar filled to the brim. In previous years, I would eagerly await the arrival of the summer program guide, spending hours highlighting activities, messaging other parents for insights, and coordinating a full schedule for my two children, David and Emily. I would set reminders for registration dates and ensure I was ready to reserve spots as soon as they opened. My efforts often resulted in a hefty financial commitment to various camps and classes, from art programs to sports.
This year, however, that program guide remains largely untouched. Though I have flipped through it occasionally, I find myself returning it to the cupboard without making any decisions. Beyond a brief extension class at school and some spring baseball, I have hesitated to commit to summer activities. I realize that many programs fill quickly, and as each day passes, the chances of securing spots dwindle. Yet, I can’t help but wonder if an unscheduled summer might be precisely what we need.
Initially, the idea of a somewhat unstructured summer felt daunting. For the past several years, summer camps have been a reliable way to keep my kids engaged, provide me with uninterrupted work time, and foster friendships. As a parent working from home, I relied heavily on these activities to carve out time for myself. I worried that without a structured schedule, both my children and I would succumb to boredom over two long months.
However, the prospect of an unscheduled summer soon brought a wave of relief and excitement. We could embark on road trips, enjoy beach days, and invite friends over without the constraints of pre-planned activities. With a pool pass in hand, swimming lessons could take place whenever we wanted. Embracing a little boredom may encourage creativity, leading to new adventures and fresh ideas.
It is essential to recognize that our family is fortunate to have the freedom to choose how we spend our summer. I don’t want to squander this opportunity with self-imposed obligations or guilt over unfulfilled expectations. With my children now aged 6 and 9, we find ourselves in a sweet spot; they can play independently and with friends, yet still find joy in simple summer pleasures like catching fireflies or playing neighborhood games. Their sports commitments are casual, not overwhelming, and I question the necessity of rushing into a busy lifestyle before it’s absolutely required.
Thus, my partner and I decided to embrace fewer scheduled activities and more freedom. When discussing our summer plans with the kids, I anticipated resistance, but instead, they responded with enthusiasm. I explained that after their school extension class concludes in late June, the only scheduled activities would be two nights of sports each week—baseball for David and tee-ball for Emily. Our days would be open for spontaneous lake visits, pool days, and playdates. Each of us will keep a journal to document our summer escapades, and I established that while boredom is acceptable, they should be cautious about complaining, as I might suggest chores to alleviate it.
I am uncertain how our unscheduled “Summer of Freedom” will unfold. It may lead to more sibling squabbles and frequent time-outs than I would like. Yet, I hope it opens time for bike rides, nature walks, and spontaneous family trips. I aim to replace the school year’s obligation with the thrill of possibility, if only for a couple of months. This summer serves as an experiment—will it lead to personal growth and creativity, or will I find myself longing for the structure I initially sought to escape? Most importantly, how long until I lose my sanity and reach for that neglected program guide, desperately searching for any remaining class—perhaps in basket weaving or croquet—to regain a moment of peace?
In summary, embracing an unscheduled summer may foster creativity and spontaneity within our family, allowing us to explore new experiences while appreciating the flexibility of our time together. It is a chance to rediscover joy in simplicity and cultivate memories that will last a lifetime.