Two summers ago, I made a rebellious decision. In a moment of weakness after a season of commuting to football practice and dance lessons four nights a week, I snapped. It was time to register the kids for the swim team, but I sat at the computer, paralyzed.
I couldn’t make myself do it. I knew I might seem like a bad mom. I knew my kids might lose some learning and study skills, but I decided not do anything structured for the entire summer. I longed for my kids to have what I had as a child: freedom. No swim team, no lessons, no summer reading program, nothing. What would happen, I wondered, if my children were allowed to choose what they wanted to do? All day long. Every day.
The results for our family were magical. At first, the kids were bored. They weren’t sure what to do. But after they adjusted to this new world of summer freedom, creativity blossomed. Friendships grew. Attitudes shifted. And most importantly, stress disappeared.
And the tradition continues.
Hanger Chain
Exposure to the Classics
Fort Building
Inventing New Powerpuff Girls
Reading Just for Fun
Board Games
Adrienne Quintana 
What a refreshing way to love your children!
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I felt very loved as a child and appreciated the freedom I was given. It has been refreshing for all of us!
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Love it! I did the same thing this summer and it feels so good!
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It took looking back at what made my childhood happy to realize what I was missing! Good for you Pam!
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Sometimes as a parent it is hard to find the right balance. We want our children to have all the opportunities to learn and grow as possible. I worried that we didn’t have enough structure. Thanks for your loving feedback that freedom was ok in your childhood. Love you!
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Whether it was on purpose or not, I will always cherish the hours of freedom you gave us to let our imaginations run wild. I love you Mom!
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I love it! It’s so important for kids to have the time to explore and be creative.
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Thanks you! I would venture to guess that you were given plenty of time as well. Looking forward to Demon’s Heart!
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Can I get an amen??? AMEN SISTER!!!!
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