Say No to the Summer Doldrums

Summer fever usually strikes mid-February in my home. We then, collectively, drudge through until June, making mental checklists of all our personal summer wishes.  

Interestingly, once summer break finally unleashes, I am begging for a return to routine and structure in less than a week. Truth be told, my thoughts sound more like, “You people are driving me CRAZY! Why can’t you just be happy frolicking children and leave me be?”

They should be able to handle that, right?

Well, no, at least not without a few nudges; starting with the family pow-wow. Fortunately, we’re learning to turn our summer doldrums into summer delight. Let me share some of our guiding principles. 

1. Routine promotes rest: Children need routine. Moms need routine. It calms our minds, releasing us from fear of the unknown.

This year, I called a family meeting (met with groaning and eye-rolling) and asked my children their hopes for summer. I wrote their answers (showing that I take them seriously), and with some hashing and re-hashing, we created a happy medium—a loosely constructed daily routine pleasing to all.

2. Limit plugged-in time: When it comes to video games, my house models perfectly the mathematical principle of positive correlations. The more time my children spend “plugged-in,” the more time they will positively engage in bickering, complaining and the “I’m bored” syndrome.

At the same eye-rolling family meeting, I laid down some ground rules with plugged-in time. The goal was to create a healthy environment where positive interactions are the rule, not the exception. Besides, when I compromise on plugged-in time to gain some peace and quiet, I pay for it—solving squabbles or disciplining naughty boredom behaviors. 

3. Learn something new together: Have you walked through Fayetteville’s local hobby stores with your children? True, usually I steer clear of such places with my untamed crew, however, a one-time trip to stir their creative juices may just spark a summer of unexpected learning. 

And what about you? I’ll bet you have a summer wish list; whether it’s learning some new recipes, practicing a new craft or reading that stack of books you’ve let grow all winter into spring.

Brainstorm a list—at the family meeting—of everyone’s learning desires. If they look at you a little glazy-eyed, don’t fret. Share your goals, then offer suggestions based on their interests and talents. Our list included: Army (always), birds, nuclear bombs (weird), bees and human anatomy. A visit to our bookstore for some great reads and new games to master and, voila! Day trips, library excursions and crafting afternoons, are now easily determined and anticipated with great fervor.

4. Create new ways to connect: Let’s face it. During the school year, our families’ connectedness can easily fall victim to myriad activities and commitments. 

This summer, find ways to strengthen and build your family relationships through simple daily and weekly routines— nightly read-alouds, watching a favorite show, picnics in the yard, baking cookies, family movie, or bowling, or game, or ice-cream, or soccer, or nuclear bomb making night (just kidding). You get the idea. 

I confess. Helping my children have summer fun can seem like the doldrums. Often, it’s a choice I make, not a feeling I feel. But, when I make the choice--nudging, sparking and spending some quality time, our summer becomes one to be remembered, not tolerated.

Local Resources to get you started (beyond the chain stores):

Hobby & crafting: 

Crafts and Things

Books/Learning/Games:

Cumberland County Library  (treasure trove of ideas, learning, events and more)

McKays Used Books (Bragg Boulevard)

Lori's New & Used Books (Bragg Boulevard, behind Trophy House; mostly used, some new—excellent sellback policies)

School Tools (Tallywood Shopping Plaza—lots of great kits)

Day Trips:

North Carolina Museums (click on “Find a museum”)

Camps:

Fort Bragg MWR (click “events calendar”)

Sandhills YMCA (click “summer camps” then “Download” for schedule; spaces still available)