Kara here. My family and I are taking a few vacation days, so I’m re-posting this wonderful article from former Simple Kids editor Megan Tietz, of Sorta Crunchy. This post originally ran in July 2009. I know the topic of mindful summer planning is timely for me and I think you’ll enjoy it, too.
~ In summer, the song sings itself. ~William Carlos Williams
For some, the month of July marks the beginning of the celebration of summer, while for others it indicates that the summer holiday is nearly halfway over. July offers ample opportunity to slow down and evaluate how your family is wiling away the days of summer. Here are some thoughts to bear in mind:
1. Assess Motivation
Thoughtfully consider why each activity, camp, or trip is on your list of plans. Are you planning on taking the big vacation because it’s summer and that is what you “should” do? Or is the trip away a chance to purposefully engage and connect with each other as a family in a new and exciting (or old and beloved) locale?
Are you sending your children to swim lessons or away to camp because that is just what everyone in the neighborhood does, or is it because this activity or time away will genuinely enrich their growth and learning?
