Every summer, I would set high expectations for my kids. Five pages of workbook activities a day was the goal, all to ensure that our planned summer excursions would be well-deserved rewards. I was determined to keep all that knowledge they had absorbed during the school year firmly tucked in their little heads. The thought of them forgetting everything and starting the new school year with a “deteriorated brain” was more than I could bear.
No way was that going to happen on my watch. My kids were going to stay sharp and engaged all summer long—this was the mission I embarked on every year.
But then, something shifted. I distinctly remember the last time I purchased those workbooks. Not long ago, I unearthed my daughter’s fourth-grade review book buried under a mountain of clutter in her room—only four pages had been filled out.
Well, that was a promising start, but somehow, the urgency of it all fizzled out that year, and I can’t put my finger on how or why. That was likely the beginning of the end. Fast forward to now, my daughter is in seventh grade, and I haven’t bought any educational workbooks since.
I can’t help but wonder how my once insatiable drive to keep their minds active faded away. Perhaps the long days at the pool wore them out to the point where they fell asleep mere minutes after getting home. Maybe I just got a bit lazy—it’s possible.
What I discovered, however, was just as elusive as my motivation to keep up the academic push. I vaguely remember those moments of panic: “Oh no, we need to tackle those workbooks!” Yet, like many seasons of motherhood, I can’t quite recall the exact moment I surrendered to the idea of letting go of this rigorous educational goal. It slipped away, just like my children’s intellectual engagement every summer since.
Here’s the kicker: My kids thrived in school! Each year, they effortlessly jumped back into the academic grind and excelled. After that initial summer, where I feared they would fall behind due to my own lack of effort, I realized they adapted just fine. They dove back into their studies and never seemed to struggle with the influx of new material.
Now, I’m not suggesting you throw caution to the wind regarding your educational plans for your children. I completely understand the need to cater to kids with learning challenges, and I recognize that each child is unique with different academic needs.
What I’m getting at is this: When summer ends and you find those workbooks collecting dust with only a few pages completed, your child might just be okay. No need to stress, moms. Apparently, our kids’ brains don’t turn to mush over a couple of months. In fact, the refreshing break of summer—and all the adventures it brings—might just fuel their minds for the school year ahead.
Perhaps taking a break is exactly what they need.
Instead of focusing on those workbooks during a long car ride, my kids were busy gazing out at new landscapes. They learned how to dive off the diving board, cultivate a garden, try new sports, and catch fireflies. They discovered that spending hours outside building forts and wading through creeks searching for hidden treasures offers learning experiences that books simply can’t provide.
There’s a wealth of learning happening in the summer—much more than just math facts and vocabulary. I like to think of it as Life Lessons. And you know what? It’s been working for us so far.
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Summary
Summer learning is not just about workbooks; it’s about life experiences that enrich children’s minds. While structured learning has its place, the informal lessons that occur during summer activities can be just as valuable. Don’t stress if your kids don’t fill out all their workbook pages—what they gain from exploring the world around them can be more impactful.