Additional Coverage:
- Instead of spending money on camp or day care, I kept my daughter home this summer. We got more quality time, but it was harder to work. (newsbreak.com)
This summer, we decided to change things up and keep our oldest daughter at home instead of enrolling her in summer camp or daycare. For us, this meant a summer filled with more relaxed, albeit sometimes challenging, days as I tried to balance work and spend quality time with her.
Amid the panic that ensued in mid-spring about summer plans for our kids, my wife and I decided against the rush to find a camp. The idea emerged to simply do nothing structured. With one daughter still in daycare, we eased into a slower pace with our nine-year-old at home, consciously keeping her schedule light.
Financial considerations were a significant factor; summer camps can be prohibitively expensive and many didn’t captivate her interests. With our budget tighter than usual, and given our daughter’s involvement in community sports like swimming and soccer, we opted for a summer that would allow her to rest and enjoy leisurely days. This setup also involved occasional help from her grandmothers, giving them cherished moments together.
Throughout the summer, there were ample opportunities for spontaneous fun and bonding—playing video games, enjoying lunches, going to the pool after work, and the occasional heartfelt conversations. Despite these high points, there were also stretches of excessive TV and iPad time, especially as I juggled deadlines and Atlanta’s sweltering heat limited outdoor activities.
Ultimately, the summer wasn’t perfect. Although we saved money and had memorable moments, the constant close quarters were sometimes overwhelming. As we transition back into the school year’s rhythm, this experiment provided valuable insights into handling future summers, especially as both daughters will be home next year.
Reflecting on the original article from Business Insider, this summer proved to be a mix of savings, learning, and valuable family time.