Updated: April 3, 2023
Originally Published: April 3, 2023
As a parent, I’m on a mission to provide my children with a summer reminiscent of my own carefree childhood. You might call me sentimental or even a bit idealistic, but I genuinely believe in the value of a relaxed and open summer.
I envision a season where they can roam free from sunrise to sunset, much like I did. The carefree days filled with bike rides, splashing in the neighbor’s pool, racing down the Slip n’ Slide, and running through garden sprinklers. Those sunny afternoons when popsicles melted and dripped down our hands, while we eagerly awaited the familiar jingle of the ice cream truck. Yes, those are the summers I cherish and want to recreate for my kids.
To ensure that my children have the same unstructured joy, I must resist the temptation to over-schedule their time with endless activities. You know those camp brochures that fill our mailboxes? They’re going straight into the recycling bin. And those flyers sent home from school? They won’t be making it into our plans either. What kind of summer would it be if I kept filling their schedules with structured events?
Many parents I know are enrolling their kids in back-to-back soccer games, art classes, gymnastics sessions, and even multiple week-long camps. Not for my family. Summers should be a much-needed break for both kids and parents alike. After enduring the rigorous school year, our children deserve this freedom. Likewise, we parents could use the respite from the constant shuttling of kids from one activity to another.
This summer, like last year, will be wide open. My son will attend just one nature-themed camp for a week, while his sister enjoys leisurely days at home. Beyond that, it’s a free-for-all. In the mornings, they’ll dash over to the neighbor’s house in their pajamas to build with Legos or play house. In the evenings, we’ll gather around for bonfires, roasting marshmallows under the stars. During the day, they’ll splash about in their swimsuits, giggling and running between yards.
For those parents wishing to recreate the joys of their own summers for their children, I encourage you to toss those flyers in the trash. Resist societal pressures that push us to fill every minute with structured enrichment. Kids don’t need all that stimulation, and honestly, they’re unlikely to remember it. What they will remember are the summers spent with friends and family, nurturing relationships, and soaking up the sunshine.
In preparation for this summer, I am making a conscious effort to eliminate those camp and activity flyers, allowing my kids to experience the essence of childhood: melting popsicles, running through sprinklers, and diving into Slip n’ Slides.
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Summary
I believe in providing my children with a summer filled with freedom and joy, reminiscent of my own childhood experiences. By consciously avoiding the urge to overschedule their time, my kids can enjoy lazy days filled with play, friendship, and sunshine. Through this approach, I hope to create lasting memories for them that focus on relationships and carefree fun.