As summer break approaches, I find myself caught between the excitement of all the adventures my children and I will embark on (berry picking! road trips! swimming!) and the reality of spending a lot of time together, which can sometimes lead to tension. As a parent who works from home, the challenge of balancing work with kids around adds another layer of complexity.
While it’s refreshing to take a break from early mornings, lunch packing, and homework, the unstructured time can feel a bit like indulging in junk food—great in moderation, but too much can leave us feeling cranky and sluggish. Our household thrives on a routine, and finding that balance between fun and structure can be tricky.
After navigating the ups and downs of summer for a few years, I’ve gathered some sanity-saving tips from friends as well as my own experiences. Here’s what I’ve learned:
Go All In or All Out
I adore this approach from the insightful Jamie Carter, who alternates between dedicating her full attention to her children and giving them space to entertain themselves. She completely disconnects from work during family activities, ensuring that she is present in the moment. This not only reassures her kids but also allows her to focus on work when it’s time for that. I’m still mastering this, but I remind myself that even small tasks, like washing dishes, can wait. “Let me finish this, and then I’ll be all yours,” I tell them. They’ll be fine, and it benefits everyone in the long run.
Incorporate the Neighbors
In a world where playdates are often scheduled, summer can feel less spontaneous than it did in our childhoods. Many kids are either in camps or closely supervised by parents, making it harder to give them the freedom to roam. My neighbors and I have started sharing our contact information to foster more outdoor play. We send out texts like “Kids are in the yard with the sprinkler, feel free to join!” or “Sending my kid outside; anyone else available to play?” This not only gets the kids outside but also strengthens our community ties.
Establish a Flexible Routine
A friend of mine who works full-time has her kids collaborate with their sitter to create a summer wish list of activities, balancing free and paid options. I’ve started doing this as well. It helps manage expectations while providing a semblance of structure. A little daily order can go a long way. Instead of grappling with “What should we do today?” we might designate mornings for camp, keep screens off until afternoon, and set aside evenings for baseball games. Knowing what to expect can be reassuring for everyone.
Embrace the Essence of Summer
While a little structure is beneficial, it’s important to remember that it’s summer vacation. Things will naturally slow down compared to the school year. Perhaps it’s okay to ease up on the academic workbooks? We can also adjust our own schedules, whether it means working shorter hours or, dare I say, actually taking the vacation days we’ve earned.
Amidst the balancing act of maintaining sanity and routine, I want to cherish the magic of the season—the warm air and distant thunder, the long evenings filled with fireflies, and the carefree nature of summer attire. I know these moments are fleeting, and as my children grow, each summer brings them closer to adulthood and independence.
When sibling squabbles arise or towels are strewn across the floor, it’s easy to overlook the simple joys: the leisurely walks in the woods, playing in the creek, or even having ice cream for lunch. Now is the perfect time to throw aside “shoulds,” enjoy bubble-blowing, and relish those twilight moments spent in the yard.
This summer is here, and it’s ours to embrace and enjoy. September, with all its demands, will arrive soon enough.
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