This summer, my family is gearing up for what I like to call the most extraordinary experience: a wonderfully uneventful season. Our agenda is entirely cleared of any planned activities, scheduled outings, or events that require us to be anywhere at a specific time. We’re taking a step back from the summer frenzy and embracing a much more Zen approach to the warm months ahead. After all, minimalism is in vogue, and we’re diving headfirst into that mindset from the last day of school in May until the first day of class in August.
In simpler terms, we’re not doing anything this summer—and we’re going to love it.
For the last several years, I’ve felt this way, especially when that wave of anxiety hits around late March as summer camp fees loom over me like a dark cloud. The reality struck me—I was looking at 12 long weeks of keeping four energetic boys entertained, whose enthusiasm could power a small city.
After 19 years of parenting, I’ve reached a point of total burnout. I’ve officially resigned from my role as vacation coordinator, sports planner, craft organizer, all-day meal provider, taxi service, and every other summer enrichment duty that I’ve taken on for nearly two decades. To put it bluntly, I’m done.
The silver lining is that my kids are now old enough to decide how they want to spend their days, and they can actually make it happen. No more daily checklists to ensure they spend 30 minutes reading, doing chores, or playing outside. Have we really turned parenting into a checklist?
I’m fortunate enough to have teens with their own cars (hello, built-in babysitters!) and kids I trust to stay home alone for hours. It took years of building trust, and yes, I still worry, but instead of lamenting the end of my children’s little kid summers, I’m ready to enjoy my freedom—fist-pumping all the way to the beach, and finally doing what summer is meant for: relaxing and recharging.
If they want to join me, great! But like my mom did in the late ’70s, I’m bringing nothing to the beach but sunscreen and a towel. Gone are the days of lugging a massive wagon filled with snacks, surfboards, and elaborate gear.
And please spare me the “Your kids need to keep their brains active all summer or they’ll fall behind” spiel. Sure, I value education—my kid is even on a scholarship—but he also spent plenty of summers glued to the TV. And guess what? He’s thriving in college, often expressing concern for classmates who can’t seem to relax. They struggle to find a healthy balance between work and play and don’t realize when it’s time to just “be.”
Isn’t that what summer is all about? Those moments of simply existing? Picture breezy evenings listening to baseball on the radio, spontaneous ice cream outings, and lazy days in pajamas without a care in the world. Boredom can spark creativity, fueling our imaginations and prompting us to explore—not because of a chart, but because we feel inspired.
I truly believe these moments of doing nothing are the most memorable and enriching experiences we can offer our kids. And this summer? I intend to make the most of it. If you’re interested in exploring more about family planning, check out this insightful post on home insemination kits. For those on a fertility journey, this resource on couples’ fertility journeys is invaluable. Additionally, if you’re looking for more information on pregnancy and home insemination, Hopkins Medicine is an excellent resource.
Summary
This summer, I’m embracing a laid-back approach, stepping away from the chaos of planned activities and structured schedules. Instead of being a vacation planner, I’m letting my kids take charge of how they spend their time, while I relish the freedom to relax. We’ll create cherished memories through simple moments of just “being,” allowing for creativity and exploration without the pressure of checklists.
Keyphrase: Summer relaxation for families
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