Surviving Summer
Surviving Summer
How Erin Survived a Summer without Childcare: Routine Not Rigidity
I am a working mother. I balance my flexible work schedule with my share of the domestic work required to run a household, the self-care required to resource my body, and my share of the caregiving required to love & nurture my two-year-old son. Sound familiar?
This summer I found myself in a position of less work and more caregiving (but unfortunately the same number of laundry baskets full of clean clothes yet to be folded).
I imagined a summer where my son & I lazily woke up each morning, stretched our arms toward the sweetly shining sun and together decided what we wanted to do that day. Each day a new adventure. Each day something new!
Instead, I realized that lazy wake ups are a figment of my imagination and that toddlers (and exhausted parents) crave routine.
So…my partner & I carved out a structure that worked for our family. I created a note in my iPhone (because…millennial parent) that looked something like this:
Summer Structure ☀️
Weekly Schedule:
Monday: Play Date with a Friend (AM)
Tuesday: Pool with a Friend (PM)
Wednesday: Science Museum with a Friend (AM or PM)
Thursday: Flex Day
Friday: Tot Shabbat (AM)
Daily Schedule:
Wake Up - 9:30/10AM - Dad Captain
9:30/10AM-Noon - Mom Captain
Noon-1PM - Lunch Time/Nap Time Routine - Co-Captains
1-2PM - Nate Naps/Mom & Dad Work
2-4:30PM - Mom Captain
4:30PM - One Parent Cooks/The Other Parent Captains Nate
5PM - Dinner Time
6-7PM - Bath Time/Bedtime
Breaking it down this way made sense to me, and was helpful in eliminating decision fatigue. I knew a basic idea of what we were doing every day, plus my partner & I had a sense of who was responsible for what (and when). (p.s. “Captain” is our code word for “primary caregiver” at that time)
My friend Liz at Little Dipper Wellness likes to say “routine not rigidity” and I took that mantra to heart this summer, while still maintaining enough structure to keep myself, my son & my family from going bonkers. Because ultimately routine is soothing & comforting. It brings security to our little ones that in turn bolsters their sense of confidence, trust & self-regulation.
Perhaps someday (when my son is…18?) I’ll have a lazy summer morning & a day full of unplanned adventure, but for now I’m sticking to the plan.
My friend (& fellow mother & yoga teacher) Alaina & I have compiled the following list of fantastic local activities to add to your summer structure:
Nature Kids at the Museum of Life & Science in Durham - Nature programming at the popular Museum of Life & Science in Durham that allows your kiddio to explore a variety of science and nature related themes, and spend curated time in the museum’s beautiful outdoor exhibits. Classes available for babies through age 5.
Baby & Me Yoga / Yoga Together at the JCC in Durham - Erin teaches a weekly Baby & Me Yoga class and a Yoga Together class (designed for toddlers & their caregivers) that gives students a chance to explore their breath & their body, and allows caregivers to connect with each other.
Muddy Boots with Durham Parks & Recreation - A thematic nature program that always includes a kid-friendly craft, a short hike and storytime. A very affordable & fun morning outing that sells out quickly!
Tot Shabbat & Storytime at the JCC in Durham - Weekly storytime with Durham’s best storyteller, Amy Godfrey! Great for babies through preschoolers. FREE & open to all. Tot Shabbat follows storytime. Fridays 9:15-10:00am, in-person outdoors.
Storytime & Events with Durham Public Libraries - The public library is probably one of my favorite parent resources. The events page is full of FREE opportunities for your baby & toddler! We’ve linked the Durham County Library system here, but the libraries in your area likely have events too.
Storytime on the Roof at The Durham - Rooftop stories with your little one plus a specialty coffee shop in the lobby. A win, win!
Farm Classes with My Little Farmer - Farm classes for students ages 1-5. Little Drop-in classes & a 6-week series available!
Riding Lessons at Brightleaf Stables - Horseback riding lessons for students ages 2 & up. Single lessons & packages available!
RDU Observation Deck - Popular with kids of all ages, RDU’s Observation Park provides sweeping views of the airport’s 10,000-foot runway and is located near the Air Traffic Control Tower. Playground & picnic area available! The Observation Park is open from 9 AM - sunset every day.
The Durham Farmer’s Market / Durham Food Hall / Durham Central Park - A Saturday morning option for the whole family! Plus you could pop into Durham Yoga Company for a class with Alaina while your co-parent plays with the kids! The Durham Farmer’s Market is open Saturday mornings.
Strawberry Picking at Waller Family Farm - Bring your berries home & whip up some strawberry shortcakes, easy baking for little hands!
Explore Durham Parks & Recreation’s Spraygrounds - The Edison Johnson Sprayground is next to the Museum of Life & Science!
U-Pick Wildflowers at Firefly Farm - A fun, simple activity that can be a nice way to spend time outdoors. Plus kiddos are so proud to bring their flowers home & put them on display!