FAMILY blog
A s summer gears down and the back-to-school
that joy a child feels to be out of school. I’m letting my kids
commercials start appearing, I have to ask
stay up a little later, because for this short period of time they
myself, what else do I have to cross off my
don’t have anything to do in the morning. I’m looking over
family’s summer to-do list? Did we experience
my to-do list and reminding myself that my kids will simply
enough of the local attractions we never have a chance to see
remember the TIME we spent as a family, not the activity that
while the kids are in school?
got us there.

As a parent to three young boys, I have come to realize
Soon enough, I will be taking my boys back-to-school
summer is no longer the relaxing, joyful season I experienced
shopping. We will buy the notebooks, pens and glue, stock up
as a kid. I feel the pressure to create a new adventure every
on new clothes and shoes, and get haircuts in anticipation of
day. And all those Facebook and Instagram posts of everyone
those school photos. I still remember prepping for the school
else’s summer outings and craft projects don’t help either.

year as a kid and the sleepless night before the first day. The
The best laid plans of unscheduled down time turn into me
anxiety and excitement of meeting a new teacher, new friends
wondering if my kiddos are going to have the stamina for the
and tackling the homework a new year brings. I was ready to
petting zoo after spending the morning making homemade ice
take on the new school year with my joyful summer memories
cream. It’s all so exhausting!
in the bank. I want to bank those for my kids too, not just cross
to-dos off my list.

I miss summer being the season to recharge, reflect and get
ready for another vigorous school year. Where did that joyful
My favorite quote gets me through a lot of parenting
summer freedom go?
challenges and keeps things in perspective. I’m citing it a lot
these days, as I remind myself to let go of the pressure to fill
I hate to admit it, but I miss the routine of school and carpools.

the days with outings and activities. That school routine I long
I get a little excited thinking about the kids back in school
for will be here soon enough. Right now, I just need to take a
and having some time for myself – shutting the door for an
deep breath and embrace the childish joy of summer.

uninterrupted 10-minute shower would be heaven right about
now. “They’re only little once. Grant me the wisdom to guide them down
the path that their feet should take. For I know that they can never
I’m worried my kids will sense my non-routine anxiety,
turn back and walk those paths with me again. Give me the wisdom
coupled with the stress of filling up their day-to-day summer
to guide their feet so that someday they’ll be able to walk alone.”
schedule. I wonder how I became a creature of routine, and
why is this routine more comforting than the freedom of lazy,
unstructured summer days?
The sad thing is I really do love summer. My own mother
instilled the feelings of summer joy when I was growing up.

As a teacher, she was so excited on our last day of school –
finally having us home with her and ready to hit the road to
adventure. My summer angst makes me wonder if my own
mother struggled with the lack of routine and pressure to find
a balance in our schedule.

Julie Turco
Advertising Executive
So as I’m considering these last days of summer before we
jump back into our fall routine, I’m trying hard to hold on to
6 August 2015 washingtonFAMILY.com
Washington FAMILY Magazine
jturco@thefamilymagazine.com