As we step into August, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on the ambitious summer plans I crafted back in June. Every year, I create an extensive mental checklist of activities aimed at enriching my children’s summer. If it had a title, it might read, “Grand Aspirations for a Fun and Educational Summer to Feel Like an Amazing Parent While Preventing My Kids from Destroying Expensive Gadgets.”
One of my key objectives was to explore the multitude of museums and historical sites nearby. Living just outside of Philadelphia offers us a plethora of cultural venues. I recently suggested a day trip to the art museum—known to my son as “the place where Rocky ran up the steps.” Naturally, the kids were eager to join me for the adventure.
However, our plans took an unexpected turn when my daughter spotted a sign for the Eastern State Penitentiary, touted as “the world’s first true penitentiary.” Although it’s no longer operational, the site offers tours that are sure to thrill (or terrify) young visitors. I figured a quick detour wouldn’t hurt, just a brief stop before heading to the museum.
Fast forward three hours, and we finally left the penitentiary, clutching a soft pretzel from a vendor whose legitimacy I questioned. Did my children learn about Impressionism or Pop Art as intended? No, but they certainly understood terms like “solitary confinement” and “life sentence.” Not quite what I had in mind, but hey, it’s a learning experience! Plus, they did get a glimpse of some murals by a former inmate, so art exposure? Check!
This unexpected day got me reevaluating the other grand plans I had conceived for the summer. Here’s how some of them have evolved as we approach the end of the season:
Exploring New Foods!
June Plan: Introduce my kids to the wonders of quinoa and Swiss chard, moving away from chicken nuggets and fries to embrace a Mediterranean diet.
August Revision: Let’s just stick to pizza and ice cream for now.
Reading the Classics!
June Plan: Dive into literary treasures like Treasure Island and Moby Dick.
August Revision: Maybe we’ll just read the latest bestsellers instead.
Math Made Fun!
June Plan: Weekly math reviews with workbooks and online games.
August Revision: What’s 9×8? Close enough, right?
Volunteering—It’s What We Do!
June Plan: Seek out soup kitchens or retirement homes for summer volunteering opportunities.
August Revision: Quick, help that elderly neighbor carry her groceries!
Organization? More Like OrganizaFUN!
June Plan: A summer de-clutter and redecoration of bedrooms.
August Revision: Can you at least make your bed today?
Family Projects!
June Plan: Start an exciting new hobby like sewing.
August Revision: Let’s just agree to watch a movie together tonight.
As we near the end of Summer 2023, I’m already plotting for next year. First on my agenda? That art museum where Rocky made history!
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Summary: As the summer winds down, it’s time to reflect on those ambitious plans and adjust expectations. While the kids may not have learned everything I hoped, we’ve had some memorable experiences. With next summer in mind, I’m excited for what’s to come!