I think I may be looking forward to summer holidays as much, if not more, than my kids.
No more packing school lunches, no more being a drill sergeant at bedtime, and no more rushing out the door first thing in the morning.
Yes, lazy mornings where the children can play in their pajamas until it’s time to face the real world are welcome, indeed. In fact, if that means we just hang around the house gardening and baking and having friends by for fresh iced tea, all the better.
The lazy way a summer morning can calmly unfold is something I treasure. We often begin by nipping out to the garden, feeling the dew on our bare feet, to pick fresh raspberries or strawberries for our cereal or smoothies.
Then the kids will play while I calmly tidy up and plan our day’s adventure — or simply stay open to whatever invitation comes our way.
Before the holidays hit, I’ll sit down with the girls and create a list of things to do throughout the summer break, lest we hit a wall and run out of options. Big ideas, small ideas: every one of them will get written down and be put into special jars. If you fancy yourself the spontaneous type, why not do the same?
You could mark one “Seize The Day” and fill it with daytripping notions such as a visit the Burnaby Heritage Museum for unlimited rides on the vintage carousel; a drive to Vancouver to check out the saltwater pools in Stanley Park or Kits Beach; hang out for the day at the Vancouver Art Gallery; walk on the ferry to Bowen Island and rent kayaks; or host a garden or tea party in the backyard — which would include baking and food prep with the kids. These would be selected at least the night before if not sooner, so all the proper arrangements can be made.
Another jar could be marked “In The Moment” and include more spontaneous ideas that require far less planning or prep — like a walk to the corner store for popsicles; a bike ride downtown or to the Squamish Adventure Centre for gelato; a ride up the Sea to Sky Gondola for lunch and a hike; picnics at Alice, Brohm and Browning lakes; a stroll down to the river for a chilly dip on a hot day; creating sidewalk art murals made from chalk and water; or a lemonade stand on the sidewalk.
If you plan to do some camping this summer, consider creating a jar for activities to do while away (sack races, anyone?), activities and games for in the car, a “playlist” of audio books the whole family can enjoy, and a list of food ideas that will make even the pickiest of campers happy. The longer you have your jars out, the more creative you — and your children — can be with your ideas.
Here’s to summer!
Kirsten Andrews offers Simplicity Parenting courses, workshops and private consultations in the Corridor and Lower Mainland. Visit Sea To Sky Simplicity Parenting on Facebook or www.SeaToSkySimplicityParenting.com.
