As spring break wraps up, my thoughts have swiftly shifted to the upcoming summer. With summer vacation just around the corner, I find myself contemplating our plans.
Living in a community rich with a variety of engaging and affordable summer programs, I’ve been spoiled for choice. From swimming lessons to cooking classes and everything in between, the arrival of the seasonal program guide used to send me into a frenzy. I’d dedicate hours to combing through the options, highlighting potential activities and reaching out to fellow parents to see what everyone else was signing up for. Registration day was a marked event on my calendar, and I’d eagerly await the moment I could secure spots for my two boys in myriad camps, sports, and classes. The resulting costs? A small fortune, for sure!
However, this year has taken a different turn. The program guide has barely seen the light of day since it landed on my doorstep two months ago. I’ve flipped through it a couple of times, contemplated some options, but ultimately placed it back in the cupboard without making any commitments. Aside from a brief extension class through school and some spring baseball, I’ve yet to finalize any summer activities. With each passing day, I’m aware that the chances of finding open spots dwindle, and yet, part of me wonders if that’s the ultimate goal: an unscheduled summer.
Initially, the idea of a loose summer filled with free time felt daunting. For the past few years, those camps and classes have kept my kids engaged, provided me with a bit of breathing room, and helped them forge friendships. As a work-from-home mom, I’ve leaned heavily on structured activities to carve out moments for uninterrupted work time. The thought of two whole months without a plan had me worrying about boredom for all of us.
Yet, as those fears began to fade, a wave of relief and excitement washed over me. An unscheduled summer could mean spontaneous road trips, beach days, and inviting friends over without the constraints of pre-planned activities. With a pool pass, swimming can happen whenever and wherever we choose. And perhaps a little boredom could ignite new adventures, fuel creativity, and lead to the discovery of fun new activities.
I recognize how fortunate we are to have the flexibility to choose how to spend our summer months. Now that my boys are 5 and 8 years old, we find ourselves in that sweet spot of childhood. They’re old enough to play independently and with friends but still appreciate the simple joys of summer, like catching fireflies or playing capture the flag in the neighborhood. Sports can be casual, with only two practices a week instead of daily competitions. Why rush into a hectic schedule when we have time to savor?
So, my husband and I made a pact: fewer activities, more freedom. When I shared our summer plan with the boys, I half-expected them to protest, clamoring for various camps. Instead, they greeted the idea with enthusiasm, albeit with a few curious questions. I explained that after their school extension class ends in June, they would each have just one sports team—baseball for the older one and tee ball for the younger. Our days would be wide open for lake visits, friend hangouts, and pool time. I mentioned that we’d each keep a journal to document our summer escapades, and that if they found themselves bored, they might not want to come to me for solutions (hint: laundry folding and dog poop duty await!).
I’m uncertain how our unscheduled “Summer of Whatever” will unfold. It may lead to more sibling squabbles than I care to experience and require a few “time outs” for all involved. But I also hope it paves the way for bike rides, nature walks, and spontaneous family visits. I wish to replace the school year’s sense of obligation with a refreshing air of possibility, at least for a couple of months. It’s a chance for us all to slow down and remember that life is what we make of it, not just what’s handed to us.
I see this summer as a bit of an experiment. Will it be a time of growth and creativity, or will I soon find myself yearning for structure and routine? And more importantly, how long will it take before I start questioning my sanity, perhaps even resorting to day drinking and rummaging through the trash for that discarded program guide in search of just one open class—basket weaving, croquet, or anything for a moment of peace?
Only time will tell.
Summary:
This article explores the shift from a structured summer filled with planned activities to a more relaxed, unscheduled approach. The author reflects on the benefits of allowing children to experience freedom during the summer, encouraging creativity and spontaneity while acknowledging the challenges that may arise without a set schedule.