Sleeping in, leisurely walks around the neighborhood, catching frogs in the creek, and endless hours of Lego creations—sounds like a perfect, carefree summer, right? Sure, if you’re a child. But let’s talk about the other side of the equation: us parents.
As a primarily stay-at-home mom, the idea of two months filled with unstructured time for my three kids is anything but serene. For them, “taking it easy” translates to me being on high alert, juggling numerous activities. With different wake-up and sleep schedules, their food preferences only occasionally aligning, and their interpretations of “unstructured” varying dramatically, it quickly turns into chaos.
One child desires a lazy day at home, another craves a visit to the zoo, while the third insists on a trip to the amusement park. Coordinating these demands is akin to herding cats, and it rarely ends without tears. When they’re home, their bickering can drive me up the wall, especially when one is engrossed in Minecraft, another is outside playing soccer, while the youngest insists I play “Mermaid Princess Goes to the Undersea Grocery Store.” Yes, I’m expected to don a tiara, mimic Rebel Wilson’s mermaid dance, and know what seahorses prefer for breakfast (it’s seaweed pancakes, obviously).
To create a nostalgic “throwback” summer for my children, it means I’m on call constantly—cooking, mediating disputes, and driving them around. The truth is, even if they could relax for a week without any obligations, I would struggle with the lack of structure. During the school year, I thrive on routine, even if it means juggling meal prep, carpooling, and a myriad of errands alongside some precious alone time. Just one unexpected day off school can throw me into a frenzy; I suddenly need to cancel my plans and figure out how to fill the day. So, the thought of an entire week, let alone a summer of unplanned time, is daunting.
That’s why my kids attend camp all summer long, except for a couple of weeks when we go on vacation together. This year, my two older children will spend a month at sleepaway camp, while the youngest enjoys her preschool’s summer program, which, by the way, is also quite unstructured. Once they return, we have just one week before we head off on vacation, with plans for soccer camp for one and tennis for the other. The little one? More preschool fun awaits!
I genuinely adore my children and cherish the moments we spend together. However, managing three kids with different needs and no plan during the summer can be overwhelming. I’ll admit that I appreciate having child-free time, and an unstructured summer would rob me of that. Call it selfish, but it’s necessary for my well-being.
The reality is, my kids love camp. It gives them the chance to refine their sports skills, socialize with friends, and explore exciting new activities like rock climbing and surfing. And don’t worry—I won’t be lounging around sipping Mai Tais while they’re hard at work! My youngest finishes camp by 1 p.m. each day, and I’ve planned individual outings with my older daughters, plus some group adventures because I want them to know how much I care (Disneyland, anyone?).
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the idea of an unstructured summer might sound delightful to kids, for parents, it can be a recipe for chaos. Embracing structured activities through camps can be a lifesaver, ensuring both kids and parents enjoy the summer months.
Summary
Unstructured summers can be a daunting challenge for parents, leading to chaos and exhaustion. While children may relish the freedom, many parents find that summer camps provide much-needed structure and balance, allowing for quality family time amidst the busy season.
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