Don’t Complicate Your Summers

Jun 10

Chasing simplicity over agendas this summer

Summer is here and it means fun, play, and pool time. Over the years, the summers have shifted from playing in the backyard to the hustle of getting into every summer camp possible. Children are bombarded with curriculum, structured activities, and goal setting over the summer. Dr. Shefali said in one of her books, “In a culture of constantly doing something, doing nothing seems a waste of time.” However, doing nothing is exactly what our children need today more than anything else. Our children need less adult interruption in their play.

What if this summer we intentionally welcome slowness over agendas?
What if we thrive to create memories in daily mundane things versus planning a memorable summer?
What if we shift our perspective of “idle time” and “empty spaces”?

Research shows that when children are left alone to create their play, they learn to be critical thinkers, creative thinkers, and problem-solvers.

Contrary to our fear that doing nothing will be detrimental to our child’s growth, there is actual research on brain development that shows how much children benefit from unstructured play time. An unstructured play simply means a play that is not directed by adults. Active play such as playing in the backyard, swinging, etc. reduces anxiety and tension. Children learning to play with siblings, parents, or on their own learns creativity and decision making.

What if this summer we focus on building traditions and rhythms versus routines?

Routines are stagnated and they force us to stay in that timeline, creating chaos, tension, and anxiety when we do not meet those deadlines. Rhythms, on the other hand, are fluid and simple and we can change them to suit our needs. Rhythms help us create a balance between empty spaces and building traditions. Traditions are memorable and creating some fun summer traditions will make summers memorable for your children for a lifetime.

Simple Things You Can Do This Summer That Builds Traditions, Rhythms, and Memories

Swim. Find any place pool, beach, or lake where you can have some free swim time to bond and make some fun water memories.
Sprinklers. They are another way to enjoy the water and free play.
Side-walk chalks.
Make fresh fruit popsicles.
Picnic lunch or breakfast if it gets too hot by lunchtime. Breaking your routine and enjoying a picnic whether in your backyard or at a park is a fun way to bond and create memories.
Biking. Get moving with your bikes. It is a great way to exercise and enjoy some outdoor time.
Make homemade ice cream in a bag.
Give a magnifying glass to your child to observe nature in the backyard.
Collect some nature treasure and go to the library to learn more about your treasure.
Take a field trip to a city hall or a county hall. Find some free local exhibits for some indoor learning
Be intentional and flexible. Follow your child’s cues!