With spring break just behind us, my thoughts are already shifting toward the upcoming summer. As the final school bell nears, I find myself engrossed in discussions about summer plans.
Living in a vibrant community with a plethora of engaging and affordable summer activities is a privilege. From swimming lessons and culinary classes to ballet and lacrosse teams, the options are vast. In previous years, I would eagerly await the arrival of the seasonal program guide, spending countless hours sifting through its pages, highlighting potential activities and consulting with other parents about their summer choices. I meticulously marked registration dates on the calendar and made sure to be online at the scheduled time, often investing hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars in various camps and classes, including swimming lessons, art workshops, and flag football.
However, this year has unfolded differently. The program guide, which arrived over two months ago, remains largely untouched. Occasionally, I flip through it, contemplating a few options, yet I consistently return it to the cupboard without making any commitments. Aside from a brief extension class from my son’s school and spring baseball, I haven’t yet engaged in planning for summer activities. I recognize that these programs fill up quickly, and as each day passes, I increase the risk of finding ourselves without structured activities during July and August, perhaps exactly what I desire.
Initially, the prospect of an unstructured summer—albeit a loosely organized one—felt rather daunting. For the past five years, camps and classes have kept my children active, provided me with some much-needed respite, and helped them forge new friendships. As someone who works from home, I have relied on these coordinated activities to ensure I have uninterrupted work hours throughout the summer. I worried about potential boredom for both my kids and myself during two months of relative freedom.
Yet, as my anxieties began to dissipate, they were quickly replaced by a sense of relief, freedom, and anticipation. We can embark on spontaneous road trips, visit the beach, or invite friends over without the constraints of scheduled classes and camps. With a pool pass in hand, swimming lessons can occur whenever and wherever we choose. Moreover, a bit of boredom might serve as a catalyst for new adventures, innovative ideas, and the creation of novel activities.
I am acutely aware of our family’s privilege in having the option to choose how we spend our summer, and I am determined not to squander it with self-imposed obligations. Now that my boys are 5 and 8 years old, we find ourselves in a delightful phase of childhood and parenting. They are old enough to play independently and with friends without constant supervision, yet still young enough to relish the simple pleasures of summer—like catching fireflies and engaging in neighborhood games of capture the flag. Our sports activities are casual, occurring twice a week, rather than a hectic schedule filled with daily practices and out-of-town competitions. Why rush into a whirlwind of busyness before it becomes necessary?
Thus, my husband and I reached a consensus: fewer activities and more freedom. When I broached the subject with the boys, I anticipated resistance or pleas for various camps, but they mostly responded with enthusiasm (albeit with a few questions). I explained that after their school extension class concludes at the end of June, the only scheduled activity would be one sports team each—baseball for my older son and tee ball for my younger son, both of which meet only twice a week. I assured them that our days would be entirely open for trips to the lake, inviting friends over, or going to the pool. Each of us would keep a journal to document our summer escapades. I also hinted that while boredom is acceptable, should they complain and seek my assistance to fill their time, they might find my proposed activities less than appealing—think folding laundry or clearing up the backyard.
I am still uncertain about how our “Summer of Whatever” will unfold and what our daily lives will entail. It will likely involve some frustration and frequent “time outs” for everyone involved. However, I also hope it allows for bike rides, nature walks, and spontaneous trips to visit family and friends. I aspire for us to replace the sense of obligation that often fills the school year with a sense of possibility, if only for a couple of months. I hope this experience teaches all of us—including me—to slow down and recognize that our world is shaped by our choices, rather than solely by external circumstances.
As I view this summer as a sort of experiment, I find myself pondering: Will this be the time we expand and grow, create and reinvent ourselves? Or will I ultimately discover that, despite my desire for spontaneity, our family thrives on routine and predictability? And perhaps most importantly, how long will it be before I feel overwhelmed and resort to searching through the trash for that discarded program guide in pursuit of a single class—basket weaving, croquet, anything!—that remains open, just to secure a moment of peace?
In summary, an unscheduled summer can offer both potential challenges and opportunities for growth. It serves as a reminder of the value of flexibility and creativity in family life. Embracing this approach may lead to a memorable and fulfilling summer experience, allowing for spontaneous adventures and cherished family moments.
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