Dear Dr. Debbie,
As a school teacher, I have a work schedule that pretty much matches my children’s school schedules. But that also means that summer vacation sneaks up on me! I want my kids, ages seven and nine, to enjoy a break from always rushing, but worry about boredom.
How can we achieve a good balance?
Ten Weeks Here We Come
Dear TWHWC,
How we spend time reflects our values and priorities. Or shall we say, life is most fulfilling if you can spend your time in ways that reflect your values and priorities.
Inclusion
How important is it to you for your children to express their interests and desires for a well-spent summer break? (My opinion is that it’s pretty important!) Hold a family discussion about possible hobbies to pursue, books to read, movies to watch, places to visit, times to be spent with friends, get-togethers with family members, etc. Encourage everyone to add to the list. Some of these pursuits need to be calendared. Others may just need a midsummer review to be sure to get in what’s important to each family member.
Family Time
During the school year, is the amount of time you have for family time less than you’d like it to be? Then prioritize how your summer days are spent so that more often than not, family members are having fun together. Think of outings as well as at-home activities. These needn’t be novel activities. Some of my favorite childhood memories, as well as memories made with my own children, are of things we did often, such as visit nearby parks and libraries and spend time concocting things together in the kitchen. The children’s friends might be included at times, since spending time with friends is likely to be a summertime goal.
Exploring What’s Local
Summer is a great time to be a “tourist” close to home. Are there parks, museums, monuments, works of art, theater venues, etc. that you’ve been meaning to check out? The Visit Annapolis! webpage can help you find not-to-be-missed sites and events in and around the state capital. Chesapeake Family posts a calendar of family-friendly sites and events spreading out to Baltimore, Columbia, Washington, D.C., southern Maryland, and the nearby eastern shore. Keep an eye on seasonal dates for pick-your-own produce and note these as possible dates on the family calendar.
Reaching Out
Children learn to think about the needs of others when this is a value the family upholds. Think of ways to involve your children in acts of charity, for example, gathering up gently used books, toys, and clothing to help other children. The Spa Creek Conservancy and other nonprofits use volunteers to help the environment. Parks in general benefit from informal litter pickups, so think of keeping a handy trash/recycling collection bag in the car. If you belong to a religious organization or a community association, see what may be needed to be done that you can do with your children. Perhaps tending a garden? Chesapeake Children’s Museum welcomes parents and children to volunteer together – to help with animal care, spreading woodchips on the trails, and washing toys.
Fostering Skills
An important goal in parenting is to prepare children for eventual independence. Think of adding some life skills to your children’s accomplishments this summer: use a screwdriver, sew a button on a shirt, write and mail a letter, manage laundry including stain removal, tackle a minor painting job from sanding to cleaning the brushes, prepare a meal for the family, develop and stick to a budget for an outing or a project, or coordinate a get-together for a small group of friends.
Lazy Days
A looser schedule can still keep some steady rhythm to it. Children do best with regular bedtimes year-round. However, there can be longer stretches during the day for creative pursuits and exploring. Remember not to fill every day with “must-do” plans. The benefit of getting to a point of boredom is that a child has an opportunity to think of something to do. Out of boredom can come curiosity and creativity. Spontaneity is lovely value to hold, especially in the summer.
A no-rush magazine collage might take up several hours, even over a few days. If your home doesn’t have a dedicated crafting space, find a good place to set the materials aside between work sessions. Open time might get filled with a leisurely hike in the woods and allow for stopping to watch a bird build a nest. Just pack sufficient water and snacks to not have to rush back.
A looser schedule allows for some days to roll themselves out without any plans ahead of time.
Dr. Debbie
Write your question to Dr. Debbie! Please include age(s) of your child(ren) and other details about the situation or concern.
Deborah Wood, Ph.D. is a child development specialist and founding director of Chesapeake Children’s Museum, located at 25 Silopanna Road in Annapolis.
The museum is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm including most holidays. Online reservations are available or call: 410-990-1993. Each Thursday there is a guided nature walkat 10:30 am. Art and Story Time with Mrs. Spears and Puppy the Puppet are on Monday mornings at 10:30 am.
On Saturday, June 7at 10:30 am, CCM is having a Bubble Fest to honor the soapy sphere. Come to make a chase bubbles with all sorts of bubble blowers!
The 25th annual Kids ‘n’ Kaboodle – the totally free fair for all the kids of Annapolis will be held on Sunday, June 1, 12-4 pm at the Bates Athletic Complex, 935 Spa Road. Come for: live music, pony rides, games and prizes, career exploration, arts and crafts, lunch, big slide, and book giveaway. Thanks to our community partners for a day of creative fun and joyous laughter!
