The websites, parenting magazines, and blogs are full of beautiful pictures of families frolicking in meadows, holding hands in the surf, and picnicking (bug-free, mind you) with delicious and healthy food. I simultaneously love these pictures for how they inspire me, and loath them for how inaccurately they portray summer living for parents all over the country.
For many families, summer can bring costly childcare nightmares; long, hot dull days, spousal and custody disagreements, uncompromising work schedules, and guilt. When your life does not even closely resemble those shiny, pretty pictures, it is easy to feel down on yourself as a parent. What can you do?
- Set aside any visions of “perfect” and think about what you would really like to do with your family! Want to expose the kids to more music? Find free outdoor concerts (there are so many in the summer!) Family into art? Find some art shows in your area and support local artists. Any sports fans? Don’t just see the pros…take in a Minor League Baseball game!
- Rally the troops! Family and friends around? Send out an informal e-vite to school friends and meet at a playground with a water feature. Or have a potluck party in your backyard, and be sure to include a water balloon toss, sprinkler, and a possible slip-and-slide (all pretty affordable). Have your children, as well the neighborhood kids, create a full lemonade stand, with proceeds going to something your kids believe in (as well as the kids getting to pocket a bit for themselves!) The planning and creating of the stand is its own fun (and inexpensive). Of course, end everything with plenty of popsicles!
- When in doubt, your kids just want to hang out and have fun with you! Whether you count lightning bugs, watch sunsets, plant some flowers, do sidewalk chalk, or have a water gun showdown (yes, I think water guns are fun), your children want to connect with you and see that they bring joy to you. Yachts are lovely, and if you can get on one, do it. But summer memories are about fun, connection, and slowing down…anyone can do that!