By Lori Bitter (AKA Gigi)
How can grandkids look forward to the lazy days of summer when everything is so planned and regimented? My great-nephews have summer school and camps and sports . . . the list goes on! It was hard to find a week to bring them to California for a week of playing on the beach. Do our kids have enough “I’ve got nothing to do . . . ” time?
I grew up on a farm, miles from town. When the last school bell rang, we were FREE! We went barefoot, swam, rode bikes, explored ponds, made up games, fished, camped, read, and occasionally begged for rides into town, especially during the fair. As we got older there was camp, cattle shows, and softball, but it was still at a lazy pace.
Those days were inspired by our imaginations and fueled with boundless energy. We ran, breathed fresh air, and soaked up sunshine, and we didn’t stop until dark. I want my grandsons to experience that happy, simple feeling of freedom when the summer begins. But I don’t quite know how we return to this simpler time. Most of us grandparents are still working. Our children have two paycheck households. Our grandchildren are in increasingly competitive environments, where summer school, extra lessons and teams help to build their young resumes.
So, can we go back? Can we give them even a little bit of that sweet summer freedom? I would love to hear what you think and what summer holds for you and your grandchildren.