Updated: June 24, 2021
Originally Published: May 25, 2015
As the school year winds down, a familiar question looms: How will you keep your kids entertained this summer? Last year, I faced this dilemma while trying to avoid becoming my children’s personal summer event planner, academic tutor, and camp director all rolled into one. I had grand plans for meticulously orchestrated outdoor gatherings, yoga sessions for kids, and arts and crafts that would leave Pinterest green with envy. All of this, of course, while whipping up artisanal meals like organic grilled cheese sandwiches with a side of zucchini fries.
But let’s be real. By June, my family is running on fumes after a grueling school year. The pressure to create extravagant summer experiences can feel overwhelming, as if summer itself has become just another item on a never-ending checklist. So, if your kids aren’t building a school in a developing country or attending a multi-faceted camp that covers everything from archery to coding, you might feel like a failure.
But what if we just hit the reset button and embraced the laid-back vibes of the 1970s? That’s exactly what I decided to do last summer, and trust me, it was a blast! Parents everywhere reminisced about their carefree childhood summers and expressed a collective desire to ditch the over-scheduled, high-stakes summer of today.
So, let’s make this summer a throwback to the good old days. Here’s how:
- Roller Skating Marathon: Hit the local rink and skate for hours, only stopping for a Shasta soda and maybe some Fruit Stripe gum. Music? I’ve got a playlist ready for your iPod—yes, you can skate to just Donna Summer all day.
- Creek Adventures: Want to swim? Grab your bike and head to the creek. No need for any water quality checks or fancy snacks. Just catch some tadpoles and enjoy the natural wonders.
- Classic Toys: Dust off the hula hoops, Frisbees, jump ropes, and pogo sticks. None of these toys need charging, and I won’t be taking pictures while you play. Just go have fun!
- Street Light Curfew: Remember when streetlights signaled it was time to come home? No GPS tracking, no texts; just pay attention to when they turn on.
- Get Messy: Come home covered in dirt—it’s a sign of a great day! If you have a ring of dirt around your neck, you’ve truly lived!
- Dinner from a Cookbook: Dust off that old Betty Crocker Junior Cookbook. It’s time to learn to cook, not just watch chefs on TV. I expect chicken tetrazzini on the table at six sharp!
- Road Trip Games Only: Forget tablets and phones; it’s all about the license plate game and good old-fashioned paperbacks. Take a whiff of those pages; it’s a blast from the past.
- Outdoor Bathing: For the next two months, bath time happens outside in the rain. Just stand under the gutter and get clean. Here’s some shampoo; enjoy!
- Lemonade Stand: Create your own lemonade stand with no help from me. I’ll take you to get supplies, but you’re on your own for everything else. Anyone asking for a business permit? Send them my way.
- Relax and Unplug: Finally, embrace a summer of spontaneity. No plans, no schedules, no lists. Just enjoy the freedom of a 1970s summer. Trust me; adulthood will come faster than you think.
In conclusion, let’s reclaim summer and give our kids the chance to experience the joy of free play and simple pleasures. For more on this topic, check out this resource on pregnancy or learn how to navigate the world of home insemination with this helpful guide.
Summary: This summer, let’s embrace the carefree spirit of the 1970s by encouraging our kids to enjoy simple pleasures. From roller skating marathons to creek adventures, we can create lasting memories without the pressure of over-scheduling.
Keyphrase: 1970s summer for kids
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