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Unscheduling 101: The Art of a Child-Led Summer with Mindful Parenting

Oh, summer—the word itself conjures visions of endless sun, sandcastles, and that sweet, sweet freedom from a relentless school schedule. Let's not forget the delightful chaos of bedtimes that stretch way past their usual hour and mornings that start... well, whenever. It's a bit like living on a different planet, one where time has a more fluid meaning, right?

But listen: this sun-drenched hiatus isn't just a break from the norm; it's a goldmine of teachable moments. I know, I know—our daily hustle often doesn't spare us the moments we crave to pass on life's little lessons. Enter stage left: summer (and let's tip our hats to the weekends too).


happy toddler wearing floats and playing in shallow water on a sunny beach


This is our chance to:

  • Instill new skills!!

  • Elevate their thinking to new heights!!

  • Embark on journeys of discovery together!!

  • Tend to meaningful relationships!!


And here's the symphonic twist: our kids get to wield the baton this season. It’s their show, their moments to compose the melody lines of their young lives. Isn't that the coolest thing?


And what might this impromptu, sunlit classroom look like? Imagine a summer with:

  • The Great Shoe Expedition: Where the quest to conquer the laces or slip into those summer sandals isn't just about footwear—it's about triumph.

  • The Bed-Making Challenge: Post-sleep, the crumpled sheets call out for order, and who's there to answer? Our young superheroes.

  • Dish Duty Delights: A spoon here, a plate there, and voilà! A recipe for burgeoning life skills.


And it wouldn't be mindful parenting without nurturing those sprouting seeds of higher order thinking. Higher order thinking involves understanding how things happen in order and determining essential items for a task. It's about urging kids to organize their thoughts, understand sequences, and prioritize what's necessary to achieve their goals. This process isn't just about preparing; it's about thinking deeply, making connections, and learning the steps that lead to successful outcomes:

  • Master Planners at the Beach: Crafting the ultimate beach day checklist transforms mere mortals into champions of preparation.

  • The Culinary Quest: Choosing the perfect fusilli for tonight's masterpiece pasta dish becomes an adventure in taste and decision-making.

  • A Day Designed by Them: From park swings to that cherry on top of the ice cream sundae, let their imaginations paint the day.


Why not dive into the community spirit with a kids’ cooking class or start a little book club or art collective? Because really, who ever said TV and video games should hog all the glory?

There you have it, your blueprint for a summer that's anything but ordinary. Let's pepper our days with new words, fresh experiences, and lots of querying, “What do you see? How does it feel?” Their reflections might just enlighten us, too.


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