It’s no secret that I love summer vacation. I love that Andy is home with us, that the kids are off, that even though I am still working, I get to balance that with extra time in the backyard, travelling to fun destinations with the people I love the most, and sleeping in.
Summer, somehow, also comes with a side of mom guilt. Let’s make this perfectly clear – I think mom/dad guilt sucks. I know logically we shouldn’t give in to those feelings, but it happens. I’m aware of it, but I do want to change it.
There are some days when, admittedly, we are the laziest bunch who ever lazied. There are way too many video games, way too much TV time, each of us kind of exist in our own little quiet bubbles. In those moments, I don’t make plans, I don’t have something exciting to do with the kids, sometimes, on these days, we only come together to eat, even though we are all in the same house. Then the guilt sets in.
But here’s the funny thing. Those days are also some of our favourites. We travel a lot in the summer, and we check out museums, and local restaurants, and we spend so much time at various parks and splash pads. So there are plenty of days when we have full activities planned and family bonding happens. The quiet days become just as cherished. These moments of relaxation are so needed.
We don’t like to be overscheduled and busy for the sake of busy. There are many days in the summer where it’s GO GO GO but that’s why the quiet days become so important.
So I’m working on ditching the guilt. Because it doesn’t do anyone any good. And when the guilt creeps in, it usually means I’m nagging everyone to get off screens, or do something together, or try a new activity, even though we are perfectly content with the downtime.
Because those moments are needed. As a family, and as individuals.
There are many days where our family is enjoying a ‘Camp Mom and Dad’ experience. I’m going to start embracing all of our days together, and work on pushing the guilt aside.
Let’s enjoy the lazy days of summer! Who’s with me?
ps: Are you working at home with the kids around this summer? Here are some of my tips to make it a bit easier. The way I schedule my day has to change during the summer, but deadlines still get met!
Ah enjoy while they are still young enough to want to go with you and do things with you! While we still have our summertime family outings we find our older two doing their own thing with friends and such, like we did at their ages (10-13). At least our youngest still begs me to go into “the big pool” (aka deeper part of our local wading pool) with her! Enjoy your summer!
We are having a fantastic summer, I greatly appreciate the quiet days – even when the guilt sets in 😉
My two kids are 17 and 18 yrs of age. We do lots of family things balanced out with some quiet days. There are still times where the guilt creeps in. 😉