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5.18.2014

Trying To Create Our Low-Key Summer

I'm trying to figure out a good summer for W who starts kindergarten in the fall. He's going through some separation anxiety. We've had a lot of change for an emotional kid like him and change usually sparks something in him... And his last couple weeks of preschool are stirring up lots of emotions.

So, I'm trying to figure out how he should spend his summer. Most kids in our area have been scheduled out for a couple months. Most kids have camp and plenty of fun activities. I haven't been able to pull a few minutes together to do anything. I was on the fence on whether we should put him in a camp with kids that will go to his school next year, but where he is likely not to know many (or any) other kids. OR a camp with a friend or two, but would not have kids he'll go to school with next year. Think I'm over-thinking this one a tad bit? I opted for the camp that is most convenient and that's the one most likely to have kids he won't know.

Once I got over dragging my feet, I decided tonight would be my deadline. And I forced myself to do it... Our park district schedules camp by the week, so I had to go through a four step process for EVERY SINGLE WEEK. Just as I was registering my last week I was kicked out due to inactivity. INACTIVITY. My shopping cart was cleared. I lost 20 precious minutes. I started again... Three weeks in and I was kicked out again.

This does not set a good tone for the summer I'm hoping for W. This simple little summer that I have in my head, but can't seem to get him registered for... And it turns out simple might not be so simple. Three days of half-day camp, plus his swimming, piano lessons, and maybe a sport... Maybe that isn't quite as simple as I thought it would be. And - wow - he is five.


This post was inspired by Bittersweet by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore, a novel that exposes the gothic underbelly of an American dynasty, and an outsider’s hunger to belong. Join From Left to Write on May 20 we discuss Bittersweet. As a member, I received a copy of the book for review purposes.

2 comments:

Colleen @AMadisonMom said...

Oh my gosh... I hate to say this... but just wait until he's in school, and you're trying to schedule after school activities. This is the first year I have my 2 girls both in school (K & 3rd) and I'm doing nothing but juggling!!! Honestly though... it's so worth it... and really fun once you've got it scheduled.

Nancy Cavillones said...

Ha. I agree with Colleen! Once you have it all on the calendar, it gets easier. :) I also planned a low-key summer for my kids, mostly because I'm tired of driving around all the time. My daughter just finished her first year of kindergarten and I miss having her around! So, no camp this summer, maybe some swim lessons, and we're taking a few trips. The rest of the time, we'll be at our town beach and taking field trips. :) Good luck!!