Menu Lifestyle
We’re Taking a Chill Approach This Summer, and We’re Going to Rock It!
by Jamie L. Carter
Updated: May 29, 2023
Originally Published: May 29, 2023
As summer approaches, my family is gearing up for what promises to be an epic season — and by epic, I mean gloriously uneventful. We’re planning a summer that will be devoid of all the usual obligations, events, and schedules that typically fill our calendars. This year, we’re stepping away from the summer hustle and embracing a state of total relaxation.
Minimalism is all the rage these days, and we’re diving headfirst into that mindset from the last day of school in June until the first day of school in September. Essentially, we’re opting out of traditional summer activities, and I couldn’t be more excited about it.
For the past few years, I’ve felt the weight of summer looming over me, especially around March when summer camp fees suddenly appear. The thought of entertaining my four energetic kids for 12 long weeks has been daunting. After nearly two decades of parenting, I’ve reached my limit on summer planning. I’ve officially notified my family of my resignation from the role of vacation planner, activity coordinator, and personal chef. In short, I’m done.
The good news is my kids are now old enough to decide how to spend their summer days and can actually follow through on their plans. Forget the daily schedules to ensure they read, do chores, or engage in educational activities. Is this really where we’ve ended up? Making sure our kids are nice to each other through a checklist?
I’m fortunate to have teenagers who can drive and are capable of being home alone for hours. It took years to build this trust, but instead of lamenting the end of my little ones’ summers, I’m looking forward to enjoying my own time at the beach with just a towel and some sunscreen. No more lugging giant wagons filled with snacks, toys, and beach gear.
And please, spare me the lecture about how kids need constant mental stimulation in the summer. I value education too, but I’m not going to stress over daily academic tasks. One of my children received a scholarship to college while spending many summers enjoying video games and TV. He’s thriving and expresses concern for peers who struggle to find a balance between relaxation and productivity.
Isn’t summer about simply being? It’s the moments spent lounging, spontaneous ice cream trips, and lazy pajama days that fuel creativity and exploration — not because of a schedule, but because we want to. I believe these moments of doing nothing are the most cherished memories we can create for our children, and this summer, I plan to embrace them fully.
If you’re interested in learning more about home insemination, check out this informative post on Intracervical Insemination. Another great resource is Make A Mom, which offers essential tools for self-insemination. Additionally, for those seeking information about fertility, Womens Health provides excellent insights.
In summary, this summer, my family is prioritizing relaxation and spontaneity over structured activities. With my kids taking the lead on how they spend their time, I’m looking forward to savoring the simple pleasures of summer.