I always believe in a “life spectrum”. As much as we have comfort zones on one side of our “life line”, it is always good to explore the other side of the spectrum. This doesn’t mean abandoning our safety belts, but it’s good to stretch us once in a while. I believe summer is the best time to do this.
For my kids, I like to think of summer as their “growth” time. Since my kids study in a highly traditional school, learning is very regimented. Teaching methods are usually lectures. During summers, I try to mix things up.
There was a summer when I enrolled them to a summer progressive program. They were taught under a vertical aged program, where multiple ages were in one class. They had stations for each subject, where kids can freely read the books and ask questions from teachers.
I also like to introduce them to different interests during summer time. Art is a regular staple summer program. I feel art is always the best free play activity for my kids. I was lucky there was an art and music combined program, called My Masterpiece, when Meagan was 3. There was also a summer I enrolled them in Global Art, and they liked it so much they asked if they could continue even during the school year. There was a summer when my neighbor and I requested a teacher for a home art program for our kids. I also let them try different sports and music instruments. There are activities they stick to and those they never want to repeat again. My son started violin as a summer program at 4 and liked it. Today, he plays violin during the school year. Meagan tried many instruments and dance but never liked any. Today, she is more into basketball.
I also take summer times to “flip” what they’re used to. For example, during school days, the nanny always helps them prepare for school. Helpers in the house always tidy their dinner plates up. Since kids don’t have to rush during summer breaks, it is a good time for them to learn chores and do things for themselves. I give them “chore points” for household chores they’re able to do for themselves, as well as for tasks that help the whole family.
As a family, we also “flip” our rituals. For example, our kids usually sleep in their own room during school days. I feel this gives them a sense of independence and responsibility. But for summer, we all sleep in our room every day. We also do more game nights. Summer is a great time to relax from our self-expectations and usual selves. Kids are off from school. We can loosen a bit. Give our families and ourselves a little wiggle room to breathe. There are many benefits to this “flipping” period. Your kids see you as a multidimensional being. If during the year, you need to be a disciplinarian or a “Tiger Mom”, for summers they can enjoy a sweeter side of you. There is room to develop a more open relationship with your kids.
Summer has always been my time to explore new things. It might be traveling to a new place, learning a new skill or even trying new rituals. I like to challenge the thought of what I think I’m not. We recently got a dog, Brad, but I have a phobia with dogs. But my husband and kids are all pushing me to face my fears. My daughter loves it when I walk the dog with her. Initially, I wasn’t as enthusiastic, especially when you have to pick up the dog’s poop. But as I walk the dog more regularly, I’ve started to enjoy seeing Brad run after Meagan. More important, I enjoy hearing Meagan’s stories and thoughts about “life”.
My personal thoughts: if you are an introvert or a serious worker, try taking voice lessons or join dance classes. I have seen people loosen up and even overcome shyness through these. If you are an extrovert, try doing quiet and solo activities. Take meditation classes. I visited Sedona, Arizona, a few years back. I enrolled in classes I never heard of. I realized the beauty of solitude. It gives us a chance to spend time with ourselves and, hopefully, appreciate ourselves in our own “mirror”.
After a “flipping” summer, we usually go back to our usual routines. In my experience, I always thank the opportunity. But it also makes me appreciate my comfort zones more. Then the real fascination comes when I begin realizing the best parts and feelings of that summer, and try to fit them into my comfort zones. I like the result of a “stretched” me.