Lazy Days of Summer

I do this every single year!

I go to the kids' violin solo recitals and I get all inspired to find a summer institute for them. I go to my daughter's school play and I try to find a theater summer camp for her. I watch them play their last games of soccer, and I go nuts trying to fit sports camps into our schedule. Then there is academic enrichment, art classes, swimming lessons, library programs, and day camp at school with their friends.

Last year I forwent all these camps because they conflicted with our scheduled long vacation. This year the same thing is true. And I have to remind myself over and over that I will be alone this summer while I try to fit all these activities into our schedule.

When did the summer get so short? And so expensive!

Are parents afraid of those long days of summer stretching into infinity? Last summer, the kids and I spent many a lazy day on the beach. We did things we never have time to do at home. We flew kites. We finished puzzles. Big ones! We even cooked.

Summer may be a time for kids to get ahead and develop and polish those skills they'll use all school-year long, but why am I always so inclined to fill up our summer days the way our school days are already overfilled?

I am very lucky to be able to spend these days with my kids. There is no job or career stress for me. What is more important? That they be stellar violin players or that they have great childhood memories of spending time with their family at the beach? That they can kick butt on the soccer field, or that they have fun playing games with each other?

I'm giving myself a time out. No more summer scheduling for me. These kids are going to have a carefree summer.

Even if it kills me.