My eldest child, Clara, isn’t one to easily join groups. She’s content in her own company and feels no discomfort about it. While she has friends and receives invitations to social gatherings, she doesn’t feel compelled to connect with peers who don’t genuinely interest her. Yet, she seldom feels lonely, often engaging adults in conversations about history and literature. In many ways, she embodies wisdom beyond her years, even though she’s still in her pre-teen phase.
Clara has always displayed this inclination. As a kindergartner, she was most animated discussing the tragic fates of historical figures like Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King, Jr. By third grade, she’d become deeply affected by the story of Anne Frank, questioning how such atrocities could happen to a child. In fourth grade, her passion for history led her to check out numerous books from the school library, focusing on topics like the bubonic plague and the Great Depression. By fifth grade, she had star-marked a Christmas wish list, including posters of her heroes: Nelson Mandela and Malala Yousafzai, the courageous girl who stood up to the Taliban. I framed those posters, and now they adorn her bedroom walls.
While I take immense pride in her intellect and curiosity, there’s a challenge in keeping her entertained. Standard childhood activities don’t hold her attention for long—though she does enjoy playing Minecraft. Academic pursuits are her passion, but once summer arrives, planning her days becomes a daunting task. Traditional camps don’t appeal to her in the slightest; she cringes at the thought of arts and crafts or team sports. Discussions of sleepaway camps elicit tears, as she begs me, “Please, Mom, don’t make me go.”
Occasionally, I’ve insisted on such activities, but that approach typically backfires. I’ve learned to tune in to her preferences.
This summer, after participating in several enlightening on-campus courses, including “The Civil War,” “Writers’ Academy,” and “Strategic War Games,” Clara approached me with a request: “After these classes, I don’t want any more camp activities. I want a week of you.”
“A week of me?” I asked, surprised. “What would we do?”
“I don’t know,” she replied. “Just hang out. Go to the bookstore. Stop for coffee. Walk the dogs. Talk.”
As a stay-at-home mom and freelance writer, summer often feels overwhelming, filled with deadlines and shifting schedules. I admit, I initially hesitated at her request, longing for more personal time rather than less.
“Won’t you get bored spending so much time with your old mom?” I inquired.
“Not at all,” she responded confidently.
After some reflection, I decided to embrace her suggestion. For one week, I would abandon my usual juggling act and dedicate time to my daughter. We dropped her younger sibling off at camp, with Clara riding in the front seat as co-pilot for the first time. Afterward, we visited a local cafe, where she enjoyed lemonade while I sipped my latte as we chatted about the news.
On another day, we went to the Apple store, where she engaged in a detailed discussion about software with a tech expert—a conversation that left me lost. We also took our dogs to the vet, tended to our garden, explored various bookstores, had lunch, did laundry together, and ventured into a nearby town. I let her dictate our agenda, following her lead like a travel itinerary.
The week turned out to be a delightful experience. Clara is wonderful company, and rather than her gaining a new skill, I learned something valuable. I often view the expansive summer months as obstacles to navigate rather than opportunities to enjoy. I rush to enroll my children in countless activities, hoping they’ll keep busy, all the while compartmentalizing my own time into moments of presence and solitude.
During our week of “Mom Camp,” I relinquished control of the schedule and allowed Clara to take charge. We enjoyed leisurely activities, meandered through bookstores, and savored our time together without any tangible achievements to show for it. Clara declared it her favorite week of the summer—perhaps even her favorite week ever. I found it to be an unforgettable experience as well.
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In summary, dedicating time to nurture our relationships can yield surprising joys and insights. Sometimes, the simple act of being present can be the most enriching experience of all.
Keyphrase: Week of Mom Camp
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