After my kids returned to school from their recent spring break, they were tasked with writing about their time away—how they spent those precious 10 days. My heart sank as I wondered what they might say. Did they really write about countless hours spent on YouTube Kids? Or perhaps lounging in pajamas until dinner, with barely a bath in sight? Maybe they reported on their Easter candy binge at breakfast? Because that’s pretty much how our spring break unfolded. And it looks like our summer will mirror it too.
Sure, we have a few travel plans lined up and some casual camps sprinkled throughout June, July, and August. But the majority of our summer days will resemble our spring break experience: lazy mornings, sleeping in, minimal grooming, snack-filled afternoons, and a whole lot of freedom.
On any typical summer day, my kids rise anywhere between 6 and 9 a.m. They’ll grab a haphazard breakfast—think dry cereal on the couch followed by a slice of cheese an hour later. By noon, after draining the iPad battery, they’ll switch to play clothes and head outside, only to return in for snacks, and then head out again.
We might hit the pool. We might visit the library. They could play with friends down the street, engaging in marathon games of “hide and seek” or “the floor is lava,” pausing only for popsicles and watermelon. Or we might just stay home. That’s the beauty of an unscheduled summer, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
I understand that not every family can afford such flexibility—some parents work and need childcare, or certain kids thrive on structure to keep the household peaceful (and safeguard Mom’s sanity). But for us, this unstructured approach works, and I cherish it.
That said, I do recognize the need for some planned activities to break up the monotony and encourage us to get dressed and venture outside. So, I’ve enrolled my kids in a few casual sports and activities, spaced out throughout the summer, starting late enough so that we can maintain our lazy mornings and late-night Star Wars marathons.
When school does roll back around, we often look back at our empty calendar squares and remember the adventures that filled those days. “Oh, that was the day we visited the zoo!” we’ll recall, or “That was when we ordered pizza with the neighbors and played flashlight tag until late!” My book-loving son will have devoured 50 books by summer’s end. My sports enthusiast will have played baseball and soccer until he collapses into a sweaty heap each night. My daughter will have created and illustrated her own stories.
There will be spontaneous bike rides, visits with family and friends, and imaginative play that my kids will invent themselves, knowing full well that I’m not their daily entertainer. Some days that might mean excessive screen time; other days will be filled with art projects, puzzles, or reading Harry Potter for the umpteenth time. Some days will be devoted to swimming, resulting in 4 p.m. naps.
I know I can’t recreate the ’80s summer I enjoyed, complete with candy cigarettes and Tang, but I can guarantee that the months from May to September are dedicated to unstructured, imaginative play. I want them to have the opportunity to dig in the dirt, collect ladybugs, watch movies, ride their bikes, and engage in epic water gun battles.
So, even if my daughter writes about eating jelly beans and staying up late for her spring break assignment, I’m perfectly fine with that. Before diving back into the whirlwind of homework, science projects, and school lunches, I appreciate that my kids get a break—a welcome respite for me too.
Yes, there are long days with all three kids at home. I admit I do a little happy dance when they return to school, reclaiming some peace. They’re typical siblings, and despite their love for each other, they bicker fiercely over the iPad, TV remote, and water guns. Someone usually ends up crying over a scraped knee or an unexpected bee sting. But thanks to our unstructured days, I can simply apply a band-aid and send them back outside, popsicle in hand, while I remind them to “BE NICE TO EACH OTHER!” from the kitchen window—27 times. Those are the moments I pour myself a little Mommy juice and invite the neighborhood moms over for a chat.
And so, our summer continues.
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Summary:
Embracing an unstructured summer allows for freedom and creativity in children’s play, offering a break from the structured school year. While some families may need more organization, this approach works for those who cherish lazy days filled with spontaneous adventures, imaginative play, and opportunities for kids to discover their interests.