As the summer days dwindle, many parents find themselves reflecting on the ambitious plans they set out in June. Each year, I create an extensive mental list of engaging activities to share with my children, intending to enrich their summer experience. If this list had a title, it might read, “Overly Optimistic Plans to Educate My Children and Prevent Expensive Electronics from Meeting a Dismal Fate.”
One of my grand aspirations was to explore local museums and historical landmarks. Residing near Philadelphia, we have access to a variety of remarkable cultural sites. Recently, I suggested a trip to the art museum—also known as “the place where Rocky ran up the steps,” according to my son. The kids were enthusiastic, eager to visit this iconic location. However, as we journeyed towards our destination, my daughter caught sight of a sign for the Eastern State Penitentiary, “the world’s first true penitentiary,” which is now a historical site featuring tours.
I agreed to make a brief stop at the penitentiary before continuing to the art museum. However, three hours later, we emerged with a mix of emotions after an unexpectedly intense experience. While my initial educational goals of discussing Impressionism and Realism were sidelined, my children did gain a newfound understanding of terms like “solitary confinement” and “gangster.” As a bonus, we stumbled upon some murals painted by a former inmate, giving them a taste of art after all—so I can check that off my list!
This experience prompted me to reevaluate other summer plans that I had set back in June. Here are a few revisions I’ve made as we approach the end of the season:
- Exploring New Foods
June Plan: Introduce the kids to quinoa and Swiss chard, stepping away from chicken nuggets.
August Revision: Let’s just order pizza tonight! - Reading Classics
June Plan: Engage with timeless literature like “Treasure Island” and “Moby Dick.”
August Revision: …or maybe just a fun graphic novel! - Making Math Fun
June Plan: Weekly math reviews with workbooks and games.
August Revision: What’s 9×8? Close enough! - Volunteering
June Plan: Seek out local soup kitchens or retirement homes for summer volunteering.
August Revision: Let’s help that elderly neighbor carry in groceries! - Organizing Spaces
June Plan: Tackle decluttering and redecorating bedrooms.
August Revision: Can you at least make your bed today? - Creative Projects
June Plan: Start a new hobby like sewing.
August Revision: How about we all just watch a movie together?
While the summer of 2023 is nearing its conclusion, I’m already planning for 2024 with even bigger aspirations. First on the list: that art museum where Rocky made history.
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In summary, as summer comes to a close, it’s essential to adapt our expectations and embrace the spontaneous adventures that come our way. The lessons learned may not always align with our initial objectives, but they can be equally valuable.