As a mom of two boys and the owner of Jonah’s Birth, a childbirth education company, my life is a beautiful whirlwind of activities. Balancing my professional responsibilities as a maternity nurse and birth educator with quality time for my boys, aged 5 and 9, can be challenging. This is especially challenging during the summer. However, I’ve discovered that with a bit of planning and creativity, summer can be both fun and educational for the kids while also being manageable for me.
Last year we took a trip to Jamaica, which was great. We knew we weren’t planning a big family vacation this year. When we are not traveling we usually enroll the boys in summer camp. One of our favorite camps is Camp Embark, the boys love the fun and adventure. My husband and I love the life experience and learning. This year instead of enrolling our boys in summer camp for the entire summer, we alternated between camp weeks and weeks at home. This approach allows everyone in the family to have some downtime to sleep in and be lazy, making summer more enjoyable and less exhausting.
Embracing Lazy Days and Quality Time
Summer isn’t just about constant activity; it’s also important to plan days off from work where we aren’t necessarily vacationing but simply enjoying each other’s company. Some of our best days are spent playing board games, indulging in ice cream, and watching cartoons on rainy afternoons. These relaxed days provide much-needed rest and create lasting memories.
Adventures in Reading
My oldest son loves books, and one of our cherished activities is renting a book from the library. We typically choose a book we can slowly read together throughout the summer. Last year, we started the Chronicles of Narnia series, and this summer, we are continuing the adventure. It’s a wonderful way to keep the kids reading and to spend quality time together. My youngest listens while we read, and my oldest and I take turns reading aloud. This shared activity has become something we all look forward to.
One-on-One Activities
Summer is also the perfect time to engage in one-on-one activities with each child. Every child is unique, and summer offers a chance to tap into their individual personalities and interests. For instance, we love going to the movies, especially on discounted days. Our local theater offers cheaper tickets on Tuesdays, so that’s our movie day. Recently, we watched “Inside Out,” and I found myself resonating with the main character, reminiscing about my own teenage years.
Meaningful Conversations
The most wonderful aspect of going to the movies is what I call the “after effect.” This is the time after the movie when the kids are excitedly talking about all the fun or cool parts of the film. We even discuss parts that made us uncomfortable, using these moments to connect on a deeper level. My husband and I often ask them if they’ve ever experienced feelings similar to those portrayed in the movie. These conversations help us understand their world better and create a space for them to express their thoughts and emotions.
Cherishing the Moments
Summer can be a busy time, but as parents, it’s crucial to make time not just to do activities but to truly be with our children. Learn about their world, their interests, and their feelings. Life moves quickly, and before you know it, they will be all grown up. By taking the time to connect and engage with our children during the summer, we create lasting memories and strengthen our bonds.
Balancing work and family life is never easy. I have found however that with a little creativity and planning, summer can be a season of growth, learning, and cherished moments. Here’s to making the most of this special time with our kids!