Dear Kid,
I’m not one to spread bad news, but we need to talk: your parent has completely lost it. In the quest to fill every second of your summer break, they’ve turned into a hyperactive planner, obsessively scheduling activities from sunrise to sunset.
From educational camps to music and swim lessons, your days are going to be jam-packed with structured events aimed at boosting your development and responsibility. And guess what? It doesn’t matter if you’re not even in middle school yet; your summer “fun” is about to be redefined.
Forget about building forts or leisurely days at the pool. Nope! Instead, you’ll be stuck in robotics workshops or practicing your viola. (And yes, I realize you can barely remember your home address, but it’s time to step up!)
If you’re lucky, you might snag an hour or two of “free play” on the calendar. Isn’t it bizarre that we need to schedule time to be “free”?
Here’s the deal with these overzealous parents: they’re just trying to ensure that every minute contributes to your success. It’s a cycle that started with your grandparents, also known as Helicopter Parents, and now we’re all caught in it.
We’d love to banish the worst of them, but honestly, we’re a bit terrified of their organizational skills. So while your mom is buzzing around with her endless to-do lists, here’s a little printable she can use for summer. Trust me, you might want to sprint after handing it over.
5 Ways to Wreck Your Kid’s Summer
- Turn Every Moment into a Lesson.
If you’re the type who hovers around the playground, narrating every little thing your kid does in an effort to teach them something, here’s a friendly request: just take a deep breath and relax. Grab a coffee and let your kid play. Seriously. - Be Overly Involved.
Want to cultivate an anxious, overly reliant adult? Then micromanage their every move. Make it clear that every activity they engage in is your doing, leaving no room for what they truly love—because who has time for that? Building forts? That’s for toddlers. Swimming just for fun? Ridiculous! - Focus on Their Future.
While your intentions might be noble—ensuring your child has the best resume for college applications—consider this: has anyone asked your kid what they want? The pressures of today can lead to stressed-out kids who may not thrive in the long run. Look at the Millennials; we were all about grades and still managed to turn out a bit… off. So maybe focus on enjoying the present instead of planning every detail of their future. - Forget What “Fun” Actually Means.
Fun is not about chronicling every moment on social media or capturing the perfect photo. It’s not about impressing others with your Pinterest-perfect meals while your kid begs for attention. Fun should be genuine—real experiences, real friends, and laughter. Get outside, meet other parents, and create those unforgettable moments that your kids will cherish. - Count Down to Summer’s End.
Yes, we all know that working while kids are home can be challenging, but here’s a shocker: many of us manage to juggle both. So quit counting down the days until school starts again. Remember, you wanted kids for a reason, right? So turn off your phone, put away your to-do list, and enjoy the chaos while it lasts.
Kid, your parents may insist that your happiness is their top priority. This summer, hold them to that promise. If you miss out on robotics because you spent the day constructing that epic fort, I guarantee you’re gaining essential life skills.
Now, let’s work on convincing your parents to embrace a little bit of freedom this season. I’ll pitch in if you do your part—starting with stepping outside!
Sincerely,
Lazy Parent