The universe has certainly been chuckling at those of us who anxiously stared at our calendars during the dreary winter months, eagerly awaiting summer camp registration deadlines. Back in February, I was certain I had the perfect summer lined up. As a parent, I’ve always accepted the hefty price tag of summer day camps—around $6,000 annually to send my three kids to camp for ten weeks. With my oldest at nine and my twins nearing seven, they can’t be left alone for long—thirty minutes, if I’m lucky. (Some days, it’s more like three minutes.) As a freelancer, my income hinges on my ability to work, which is nearly impossible when they’re awake.
To cut costs this year, my ex and I planned a mix of camps and a teenage babysitter. I was practically giving myself a high-five for my brilliant planning. Then, in a classic twist of fate, the pandemic swept across the nation, and everything went haywire.
Summer can be challenging enough for parents—especially working ones. The prolonged time at home, trying to balance work with the heat and fewer escape options, is going to be quite the test. Depending on your area, some camps and daycare options may be available, but their safety is a whole different matter. Many of us have received cancellations or had to make the tough call due to health concerns or financial strain. Camps can be outrageously expensive, and it’s not feasible for many of us to take three months off from work. The added pressure of the pandemic has left parents scrambling, but I’m ready to adapt.
On the upside, I have the flexibility to work at night, and as my state begins to reopen, I’ll be able to work outside the house again, albeit with new safety measures. I’m still counting on a trustworthy helper, but who knows what the future holds? Thankfully, most employers are in the same predicament, and I’m grateful for understanding bosses.
On the downside, kids can be incredibly loud and messy. It’s like a chaotic parade in my home, and someone always seems to end up in tears. “I promise that assignment is on its way, Boss!” And it’s not like my kids can take their nosebleeds elsewhere. With playgrounds, pools, and indoor play areas closed or deemed too risky, our summer activities will be limited to our little street, nature walks (which my kids refer to as “not another boring nature walk”), and the backyard.
In a moment of desperation, I turned to Amazon and searched for “toys that can keep my kids occupied for eight hours while I work.” Random suggestions like the game Simon and the movie Sahara popped up. I refined my search and rationalized my spending by considering the money I was saving on camps, summer sports, and other activities we used to enjoy before becoming creatures who roam around half-dressed and have forgotten how to interact with anyone outside our homes.
I reminisced about my own summers as a child in the ’80s. The sprinkler, bikes, and scooters were still functional. To enhance our summer fun, I ordered sidewalk chalk, water guns, a hammock, and a new basketball hoop. Without a second thought, I also bought a 10×30 inch inflatable pool for the backyard, complete with a pump and the necessity of adding chlorine tabs. While it won’t accommodate much swimming, it’s definitely an upgrade from our tiny plastic pool, which quickly turns into a murky mess. The kids can even pretend it’s their fancy resort hot tub.
Speaking of fancy, I also added Fla-Vor-Ice pops to our grocery list—because every summer needs that nostalgic treat. White bread and mayonnaise sandwiches will round out our gourmet menu.
My kids are absolutely thrilled about all of this. While my schedule may be in shambles, theirs is looking much more carefree. They wake up when they feel like it instead of being dragged out of bed at the crack of dawn (though they still manage to rise by 7:00 or 7:30 a.m. on most days—so don’t be too jealous). They enjoy playtime, eat breakfast at their own pace, and watch cartoons. After screen time, they do what kids do: play, squabble, chuckle, devour all the snacks, dart in and out of the house, and ignore my pleas to keep the door shut.
The house is a disaster and smells like a gym bag, but I’m slowly coming to terms with this haphazard summer as I realize my kids are finding joy in it all. They want to be home, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to make that happen, even if it adds to my stress. I’ll take a deep breath and remind myself that I’m not alone in this. We’re all doing our best to keep our ships afloat. Let’s hope that the chaos doesn’t lead to more bizarre happenings, like murder hornets being followed by assassination squirrels, or that aliens in UFOs decide to stay away from our mess.
Here’s to the pandemic-themed whirlwind that might just turn out to be the best summer ever for my kids!
For more on navigating summer with kids, check out this insightful blog post on dirt exposure at Home Insemination Kit. And if you’re curious about home insemination resources, visit Make A Mom. For additional support, NHS offers excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.
Keyphrase: Pandemic Summer Plans
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