Summer Is Upon Us

I wait for it all year. And dread it.

Summers in Montana are glorious. If you visit our beloved state during the summer, you will get sucked in. Many people move here in the summer and then get schooled big time when winter arrives; it’s kinda fun to watch.

We Montanans know how to maximize this precious time and pack it in during the two short months that we get. Everyone will be hiking, biking, floating in the rivers, gardening, and being OUTSIDE. We will not waste a second of it, while praying the whole time that smoke from forest fires doesn’t ruin it all.

I wish summers would evoke the simple, pure delight that is at its core, but for me, it’s more complicated. My kids have two more days of school, and every time I think about it, little feelings of panic are right there, ready to take over. You may or may not relate—and if you don’t, please tell me your secret :).

Here’s the deal: I can lean into the more relaxed mornings, not making lunches, and the endless carpools, but there are so many unstructured hours left in the day to manage. So many hours to argue, to be bored, to make trouble. Day camp doesn’t work for us—either they’ve outgrown it or refuse to attend. We also don’t do screen time, so we’re home all day with no distractions.

Of course, we are going to make a plan; I’m going to try to have schedules and activities. My husband and I are going to tag-team as much as we can, being that we both still have jobs to attend to and work full-time all summer long (I know, weird). Yet with all this and all my best intentions, it doesn’t match the structure and predictability that a school day brings.

There are many opinions surrounding children in school—how long it should be, how structured it should be, how they should learn, what they should learn, and on and on and on. Many people think kids shouldn’t be in school at all. For one, every child is so different, and it’s not a one-size-fits-all. I believe in school 110%! Not only that, I wish I had an option for year-round school, with breaks every season. My kids thrive in school, they love it, and we want more of it :). I am blessed that the Bozeman schools are so fabulous; I do not take that for granted for a second.

Which leads me back to my apprehension about our almost three-month-long summer break.

I’m sure you’ve heard how I feel about summer many times over, but I do feel like every year I make a little progress on how I go about it and how much I let the panic hijack me. Honestly, this year I’m doing pretty good! I’m managing my expectations and trying to take it one day at a time. Every time I feel that panicky feeling, I take a deep breath and think positive thoughts. I’m counting on all that positive energy having my back :).

Anyway, summer has so much to offer, and I want to enjoy all of it. Please remind me of this in a few weeks when I’m ready to run for the hills.

Maybe we need to start a support group for moms who feel the way I do. If you know, you know. It amazes me when I hear how it’s no big deal for some families. I cannot relate. Some kids NEED the structure and predictability that school brings, and nothing is a match for that. This is me trying to sound sane and calm—fake it till you make it, they say….

Until then, you pray for me, and I’ll pray for you.

Here’s to a fun-filled, sun-drenched, high-vibe summer,

xoxo,

Chavie