Unleash Fun, Flexibility, and Freedom This Summer

As we venture further into the vibrant hues of summer, I am writing to acknowledge the incredible effort and commitment you've invested in the past year. Your unwavering dedication to fostering a dynamic, thoughtful, and nurturing learning environment for your children is nothing short of inspiring.

You and your children might feel burned out at this stage. The yearning for summer freedom may be high, and the energy for structured schoolwork might be low. That's normal and perfect for introducing more fun, flexibility, and freedom into your routine.

Here are a few actionable ideas to revitalize your adventures (and throw some learning on the side into the mix):

1. Embrace the Outdoors: Nature offers one of the best classrooms. Use these warmer months to incorporate more outdoor activities into your learning process. Nature walks, gardening, or even outdoor art projects can spark creativity, curiosity, and a love for learning.

2. Summer Book Club: Start a casual summer book club with your children, allowing them to choose a book they're excited about. This can be a wonderful way to encourage reading while allowing them some control over their learning. (If you need help with book selection, Braver Writer announced its 2023-2024 book lists last week, and I'm 😍).

3. Flexible Scheduling: Consider adopting a more relaxed schedule during the summer. It would help if you experimented with less structured days, allowing your children to explore their interests. My kids have requested zero device/bedtime for June, and I've agreed as long as they read a book of their choice, complete one chore daily, and don't wake me up when I go to bed 😆. What's impressive to me is what they have chosen to do with their time (see next point).

4. Project-Based Learning: This approach allows kids to explore their passions and learn practical skills. A summer project could be anything from building a treehouse, starting a small business, or even planning a 'family vacation' at home. With our June theme of freedom, my girls have taken on their projects... one has the architecture book stacked back on her bed and is designing new home plans in Roblox, and the other has her manga books and has been working on her drawing techniques late into the night (she was still at it at 1 am last night). When kids have freedom, seeing what they choose to work independently is incredible.

5. Online Courses and Virtual Camps: Many organizations offer fun and educational summer programs that could give you a break while ensuring your children continue to learn and grow. In the past, we have attended a dissection camp on Outschool, participated in Roblox group play, and much much more.

New & Noteworthy

Were you thinking about freelancing and trying to get your first clients? In this podcast, Mo Ismail talks to Chris about how Chris found his first clients while still in school and later found clients when pivoting from Motion Design to Branding. I appreciated the realness (and 100% relate) that it took Chris 1 year to get his first clients. In this conversation, Chris lays out a step-by-step method to help you build your skills, expand your portfolio, and connect with potential clients, which Mo will summarize as the "5 C's". It's a great listen for newbies and veteran consultants alike.

Another great listen this week is the Braver Learner podcast on "5 Great Reasons to Homeschool." It's honest, relatable, and if you think homeschooling could NEVER work for you... well, give it a listen. You will find the relaxing conversation very insightful.

Remember, the beauty of summer lies in its flexibility. Embrace this time as an opportunity to recharge, refresh and reignite your family's love for learning in fun and creative ways.

Feel free to reach out if you need more ideas or advice. I'm always here to help and support you on your momming journey.

I wish you a delightful summer of learning and laughter!