How to stay connected to the outside world over the summer
Lately all I can think about is summer. It’s been 160 days of carpool and packing lunches and homework and craziness and it is almost over. But if I’m realistic, I know summer can end up feeling a bit isolated. It’s too hot to go outside, it’s too hard to get out of the house, etc. And if I see one more Pinterest bucket-list telling me all the fun things I need to take my kids to this summer, I am going to lose it.
There is so much pressure for every season to be perfect, all the milestones to be hit. So here is a simple list to help you do the things that matter, to stay connected, and to keep your sanity.
Schedule dinners
Though Lorelai had an agreement with Richard and Emily regarding Rory’s educational finances, the Gilmores still managed to meet every Friday for dinner for the duration of Rory’s high school career. Sure, this is television but the idea is brilliant — put consistent meals together on the calendar.
For generations, people have come together over food and conversation. An easy way to reconnect is simply getting started. Try scheduling a consistent time for meals together with friends and family. Potlucks are the best — you avoid the crowds and can spend quality time in one another’s homes.
Get coffee
This idea is not just for the single 20-somethings in your life. Coffee is an inexpensive way to get together for intentional conversation with folks you may otherwise never get around to seeing.
Seem too hectic to pack your kid up and take them out? Have a coffee playdate at your house. (Translation: you and another adult drink coffee while the kids run wild out of sight.)
Plan a staycation
Busy with work? Vacation not in the budget? Great. Stay here.
Take the kids to the park, choose an activity they love, hit up some museums (and lots of them have nights they are free). This is also a great time to incorporate the scheduled dinner. The point is not to be extravagant but to to invest in connection.
Write letters
Writing letters is not a lost art. Not yet anyway. While your kids are missing their friends or family over the summer, set up some folks as penpals. Your kids will love getting mail and next year’s teachers will appreciate the over-the-summer writing practice.
Photo credit: Liz Logan
This story was written for CharlotteFive’s latest channel for parents in the QC, called QC Playground. Sign up for the weekly QC Playground newsletter here.
This story was originally published May 21, 2017 at 9:00 PM with the headline "How to stay connected to the outside world over the summer."