This summer, my family is embarking on an adventure of epic proportions—an epic lack of plans, that is. We’re ditching the frenetic calendar filled with events, activities, and obligations that dictate our every move. Instead, we’re embracing a wonderfully uneventful summer, fully committing to a Zen-like approach to these sun-soaked months.
Minimalism is all the rage right now, and from the last day of school in May until the first bell rings in August, we’re diving headfirst into this philosophy. In short, we’re not doing much this summer, and I couldn’t be more excited about it.
For years, I’ve felt the pressure of summer looming over me, particularly when camp registrations and their hefty fees come knocking around March. The realization sets in: I’m about to face 12 weeks of entertaining my four sons, whose energy could power a small city. After nearly two decades of parenting, I’ve reached a point of complete burnout when it comes to summer activities. I’ve officially resigned from the roles of vacation planner, sports coordinator, craft supervisor, and all those other roles I’ve dutifully played over the years. It’s time for a break.
Fortunately, my children are now at the age where they can decide how to spend their days—and they can actually make it happen. Gone are the days of meticulously checking off chore lists that dictate their every move. I won’t be enforcing a rigid schedule that mandates reading, chores, tech time, and creative projects. Is this really what we’ve come to? Monitoring our kids to ensure they’re nice to each other?
I’m also in the lucky position of having teenagers who can drive, serving as built-in babysitters. I feel comfortable leaving them home alone for hours, a milestone reached through years of trust. Instead of mourning the end of my little ones’ summers, I’m ready to soak up some much-needed relaxation—just as summers should be spent.
If the kids want to join me, great, but I’m following the old-school approach my mother used in the late ’70s: just a towel and some sunscreen. No more packing the car to the brim with snacks, toys, and elaborate equipment for a day at the beach.
And let’s not entertain the notion that our kids must keep their brains engaged every single day of summer or risk falling behind in school. I’ve raised a child who thrived in college, and he spent many summers indulging in video games and TV. He’s now thriving and has expressed concern for peers who can’t seem to unwind. They struggle to find balance between work and leisure and don’t recognize when it’s time to simply “be.”
Isn’t that what summer really embodies? Moments of existence—breezy evenings listening to baseball games, spontaneous ice cream trips, and lazy days in pajamas. Boredom serves as the catalyst for creativity, exploration, and learning—not because of a checklist, but because inspiration strikes.
This summer, I aim to cherish the moments of simplicity and ease with my family. They may just turn out to be the most meaningful experiences we can offer our kids.
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In summary, we’re making a conscious choice to embrace a summer void of rigidity and packed schedules, focusing on relaxation and genuine moments of connection.