Updated: May 29, 2023
Originally Published: May 29, 2023
As summer approaches, my family has decided to embark on a journey of the most extraordinary kind—one that can only be described as wonderfully uneventful. This summer will be devoid of pre-planned activities, scheduled events, and any commitments that require us to be somewhere at a specific time. We are officially embracing a laid-back approach to summer, seeking a Zen state of mind free from the pressures of the typical summer hustle.
In this age of minimalism, it’s time to fully adopt that philosophy from the last day of school in May until the first day back in August. In short, we’re not doing anything this summer, and we intend to make it count.
For years, I’ve felt the weight of summer expectations, especially when the frantic rush of camp registrations and their hefty fees hit in late March. With four active kids, I’ve often found myself bracing for three long months of trying to keep them entertained—an exhausting task, to say the least.
After nearly two decades of parenting, I’ve reached a point of summer burnout. I’ve officially declared my resignation from roles like vacation planner, sports coordinator, craft supervisor, and personal chef. In just a few words: I am done.
The silver lining? My children are now at an age where they can plan their days independently and actually follow through. No more daily checklists to ensure they read for thirty minutes, completed chores, had their tech time, or engaged in creative projects. Have we really turned into a society that requires checklists for our kids to be kind to one another?
I’m fortunate to have teenagers who can drive (my built-in babysitters) and children I trust to stay home alone for hours. It took years to build this trust, and while I still worry, I’m ready to kick back and enjoy the summer as it was meant to be—relaxing and recharging. If they want to join me, great, but much like my own mother in the late ’70s, I’m keeping it simple at the beach—just sunscreen and a towel. No more hauling a massive wagon filled with snacks, activities, and hydration options.
Let’s not dive into the debates about keeping kids academically stimulated all summer. I respect your commitment to education, but I’ve raised a child who successfully secured a college scholarship despite many summers spent glued to the TV. He’s thriving in college and has expressed concern for peers who struggle to unwind. They lack the ability to find balance in life, recognizing when it’s time to relax and recharge.
Isn’t that what summer is truly about? Cherishing moments of idleness—breezy evenings listening to baseball games, spontaneous ice cream runs, lazy days in pajamas, and letting boredom spark creativity and exploration. It’s not about checklists; it’s about letting our minds wander and enjoying the freedom of summer.
This summer, I’m committed to making the most of those moments of leisure, and I can’t wait to see what unfolds.
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Summary
This summer, we are embracing a carefree, unstructured approach, stepping back from the pressures of planned activities and allowing ourselves to simply be. As parents, it’s crucial to recognize the value in moments of relaxation and creativity, allowing our kids the freedom to explore and grow in their own ways.