This Summer We’re Embracing a Schedule-Free Lifestyle, Here’s Why

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Recently, I was chatting with a friend who asked, “What summer camps have you signed the kids up for?” I hesitated and admitted, “Actually, I didn’t enroll them in any.” As soon as the words left my mouth, I felt a wave of uncertainty wash over me, like a giant elephant had just stomped on my chest.

My friend’s reaction was one of shock. “Why on earth would you do that?” she exclaimed, visibly distressed, as if she needed to shake me back to reality. Given that I work from home, she understood that those hours when the kids are engaged in activities are crucial for my sanity and productivity.

“I’m not sure what I’m thinking,” I replied, trying to brush off the anxiety, “but I just have this gut feeling that we need this.”

This “need” translates to my children learning to play outside while I work, without the structure of countless scheduled camps, without screens, and without every moment meticulously planned. I want them to experience boredom, to stimulate their creative imaginations buried beneath layers of digital entertainment.

I envision spontaneous picnics, where we can just grab some sandwiches and head out to enjoy nature. I aim to relinquish my need to control everything and allow them to create chaotic masterpieces from a mountain of construction paper and whatever else they can find. This summer is about going with the flow and hoping I’ll emerge with a deeper understanding of who my kids really are.

A Reflection on Childhood

To be candid, this plan mirrors how I spent my summers as a child. Back in the ’80s, I attended just one week of camp and spent the rest of my time exploring my surroundings and creating my own adventures. I didn’t have access to a zoo or any specialized camps. I learned to ride my bike by falling off it time and again, not through organized lessons. My mom didn’t stress over my boredom; rather, she’d find me something to do while she pursued her own interests.

My summers consisted of whimsical explorations—racing caterpillars, lying in fields watching clouds, and crafting stories around my yard’s landscape. My mother often had no clue what I was up to, and that’s part of what made those days magical. While I understand that today’s world presents challenges that make this type of freedom less feasible, I want my children to experience at least a glimpse of that joy. I want them to think twice before uttering the dreaded words, “I’m bored,” and to learn the art of self-entertainment.

The Need for a Pause

During the school year, our lives are a flurry of activities, and right now, I crave that pause button—even if it comes with a side of anxiety. I measured the kids today, their little bodies stretching taller, my daughter’s gap-toothed smile beaming as she realizes she’s growing up. It struck me how quickly time passes, and I felt an urge to hold onto those fleeting moments.

I’m aware that this might not be the smartest decision I’ve made, and I expect there will be plenty of sibling squabbles and late-night work sessions to balance out my commitment to fostering their boredom. But despite the uncertainty, I’m determined to give it a try.

Resources for Parents

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In summary, I’m choosing to let my kids experience a summer devoid of rigid schedules, allowing them the freedom to explore, create, and simply be. In doing so, I hope to reconnect with them in ways that our busy lives often overshadow.