Kids need time for summer fun

By Gavin Lewis

Prior to the summer of 2020, my family and I would pack up once the school year ended and head out for a much-needed vacation. The kids were always restless and ready for a fun time, and we needed a brain break from having to help with multiple projects, tests and assignments – as if we were in school again.

Then 2020 hit, and all that changed. We had an opportunity to wind down from the year in a different manner, one which was unconventional, but great at the same time. We rode bikes, played games that we would not have normally played, and we became great artists (with sidewalk chalk). LOL

While I do believe we had fun last summer and learned a lot more about each other, I am looking forward to getting back to our yearly tradition of time away from the city and being out of our comfort zone.

Surprising the kids, and seeing their faces when we pull up to our destination is one of the best feelings I have as a father. They love to visit the beach and play in the sand way more than I do, but I sacrifice my wants for theirs.

It is important as a parent that I allow them time to unwind as well. Yes, learning loss over the summer happens, but it is important that we give them time away from the everyday nuances of schoolwork, especially with the challenging school year they just endured.

School is important, but so is their mental and physical well-being.