Imagine a family where a former Catholic and a non-practicing Muslim choose to raise their only child in an Orthodox Jewish neighborhood. It sounds like the setup for a punchline, but that’s us—the unconventional family navigating a world that often feels out of sync. Only children often evoke a certain stigma, as if they might be the next horror movie villain.
Summer has arrived, and the neighborhood is eerily quiet. Most families have decamped to their vacation homes or sent their children to luxurious camps that promise unique experiences like macramé and horseback riding. Back in March, I had grand visions of crafting dandelion crowns and basking in the sun. However, after two rounds of Monopoly and an American Girl tea party, both my daughter and I find ourselves less than thrilled. I’m juggling multiple roles—mother, companion, sister, and cousin—and it’s proving to be less than fulfilling for either of us.
I can’t help but wish for a rental sibling service—imagine being able to pick up a pretend brother before heading to the beach and returning him afterward. This would be especially useful during our visits to amusement parks, allowing me to escape the dizzying rides!
Haven’t we done enough throughout the year? From sleepovers and organic lemonade stands to playdates and sports lessons, we’ve been busy. I even succumbed to the pressure of Russian Math but thankfully drew the line at Mandarin classes. The competition extends beyond the kids; I’ve even felt compelled to join Pure Barre classes—an exercise trend aimed at affluent women—and ended up buying the latest workout gear, which frankly makes me look like a relic from an ‘80s music video.
I’m weary of trying to keep pace with suburban life. Can’t we just take a break, kiddo? How about some good old-fashioned fun, like running through the lawn sprinkler? I’m not keen on chatting with the slender moms in their sundresses, discussing the latest nail polish colors while you learn to code on your laptop. I’d prefer to lounge in my weathered Adirondack chair, sipping non-organic hard lemonade and listening to soft rock from the ‘70s, much like my mother used to do.
I understand it can be dull for her. After all, when I was her age, I had siblings and neighborhood friends to roam around with—no boundaries until dusk. We ran barefoot and bought Rocket Pops from the ice cream truck, our piggy banks running low but filled with adventure.
To remedy the lack of a sibling, I introduced a puppy into our home. However, I soon realized that a puppy isn’t quite the same as a sibling and can’t join us on spontaneous summer getaways or days at the beach.
I sense this summer won’t be filled with cozy moments around the fire pit, roasting marshmallows and singing songs. I ask my daughter what would make this the most memorable summer for her at just six years old. “Building an Elsa castle,” she replies instantly.
And so, we’re constructing a Nordic cardboard castle in our driveway. “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” she sings cheerfully. Not really, but I roll up my sleeves and get to work. I hope that if we build it, the other children will come to join in our fun. That’s the dream, anyway, as I take another sip of hard lemonade.
In conclusion, while summers can sometimes feel isolating for only children, embracing creativity and imagination can lead to memorable experiences. Whether it’s through constructing castles or playing with a puppy, it’s essential to find joy in the simple moments.
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Keyphrase: summer with an only child
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