Summer Is Coming!
As a working mom, I am more aware of the approach of the end of school than ever. This is in part due to the ‘extra’ time I will have with my kids, but also because I truly don’t want them becoming couch potatoes. I am so thankful that I am no longer worried about the weeks of summer and what to do with them while I work a 9-5 job.
Screen Time
The picture is of Naomi taking one of her many selfies
When left to their own devices… They, well they gravitate towards devices.
My goal is not 100% screen free household for the Summer. It isn’t fair for me to set an expectation that I will likely not be 100% present to enforce. I don’t believe that I can manage that even for myself.
Goals
- Spend more time outside than in
- Reserve screens for when they are ‘needed’
- Strengthen outdoor capabilities, such as hiking, fire building, shelter building.
- Expand their imaginations
I believe that I we work on this list as a family the final bit will do itself. These goals will increase my kids confidence and self reliance , and my confidence in them. I hope it will create an even greater love of the outdoors.
Setting the stage
Those goals may be a bit vague, but when I sit down and plan out activities with the kids to help them learn these things I believe that we will quickly surpass them. That is the key- We cannot as parents set goals that we are not willing to sacrifice the time to help our kids achieve. My kids are not in a sports league, because I don’t have the time or willingness to make the time sacrifice needed to allow them to participate. ( If they were more inclined to play sports I am sure we would flip flop this list.)
Beat the mom guilt
There are times that I start to let the guilt creep in, but at the end of the day, I have to stand by my choices. And remember, that I know my kids and my family best. The same goes to you reading this. Set up what your family invests their time in based on THEM- not on what society says we are supposed to do.
Share your thoughts
What are your plans for the summer, and what is your plan to achieve them? Please feel free to share! If you don’t have plans or ideas, here is a link to some family-friendly events in Asheville.
