As the summer approaches, my family and I are committing to a season devoid of any planned activities. By “devoid,” I mean an intentional absence of events that require scheduling, payments, or our presence at specific times and places. We’re letting go of the chaos associated with summer schedules and instead opting for a state of pure tranquility.
In recent years, minimalism has become a popular mindset, and we plan to fully embrace this philosophy from the last day of school in May until the first day of school in August. To put it plainly, we won’t be engaging in structured activities this summer, and we’re ready to make it a success.
After years of feeling overwhelmed by summer camp registrations and the anxiety that came with them, I realized I was facing yet another lengthy season of entertaining my four energetic sons. The toll of nearly two decades of parenting has led me to declare an end to my role as the full-time summer planner. I’ve officially resigned from being the vacation coordinator, sports organizer, craft planner, meal provider, taxi service, and every other role that kept me busy during the summer months. Simply put, I’m done.
Fortunately, my children are now old enough to make their own decisions about how they spend their days and can actually follow through. This means no more charts dictating their time spent on reading, chores, or creative projects. Have we really reached a point where we need checklists to ensure our kids interact positively?
I’m also fortunate to have teenagers who can drive, acting as built-in babysitters, and I feel comfortable leaving them at home for extended periods. It took years of building trust among us to reach this stage. Instead of mourning the end of my little-kid summers, I’m looking forward to enjoying my own time at the beach, focusing on relaxation and recharging.
If they want to join me, that’s fine, but I’m channeling my own mother’s approach from the late ’70s — I’ll be taking nothing more than baby oil and a towel to the beach. Gone are the days of lugging a massive wagon filled with lunches, snacks, and various beach gear.
And please spare me the arguments about the necessity of keeping children’s brains engaged throughout the summer. Yes, education is important, but I’ve raised a son who is thriving in college, despite many summers spent in front of the TV. He’s expressed concern for peers who struggle to relax, highlighting their inability to find a balance between work and play. Isn’t that what summer is really about?
It’s a time for moments of simply existing — enjoying breezy evenings listening to baseball games, spontaneous ice cream outings, and lazy days in pajamas. Boredom can spark creativity, leading to exploration and learning driven by curiosity rather than obligation.
I believe that these moments of idleness are what create lasting memories. This summer, I am committed to fully embracing them.
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Summary
This summer, my family and I are stepping away from structured activities to embrace an unstructured season of relaxation. With my children old enough to navigate their own schedules, I’m shifting my focus from being the summer planner to enjoying peaceful moments. By fostering a sense of creativity and balance, I believe we can create memories that truly matter.
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