I know I have said it before, but with summer rapidly approaching I feel like the pressure is on again. Everywhere I turn I hear about a day camp or sports camp for the boys. Most of them sound really fun and some are even free (amazing, I know), but Jake and Sam say no to all of them when I ask them if they want to go. As their parent, I know I could make them go, but the truth is, I don’t want to. 

Beach time for Jake

The camps are great and I am happy that organizations like 4H, MCCS and the city of Jacksonville offer them. I know some parents rely on them for childcare when school is out and I know many kids love them. I just feel like sometimes it turns into day camp, evening practice and weekend games. Having at least at little down time is really important and it helps kids develop skills like how to entertain themselves or how to be creative. 

The boys will take swim and tennis lessons this summer. They like both sports and I feel like 3-4 hours a week is not too overwhelming. It still allows them plenty of time to make up games in the backyard and ride their bikes if they want to.  I want them to enjoy their time while school is out and I just know for them, that means as little on our calendar as possible.  Heaven knows it has been VERY full the entire school year. I am happy to see some empty boxes on my calendar. 

Do your tweens get enough downtime in the summer? Do you think downtime and idle hands could lead to trouble?

If only parenting was this easy!

I have had a nagging pain in my right neck and shoulder for over a year now. It comes and goes but everyday I know it is there. I blamed it on many things. First I thought it was our new car. The armrest was different now and I knew that had to be it. When it still hurt after months with that new armrest, I was convinced it was all my time on the computer. Between teaching online classes, blogging and my regular e-mails and Internet surfing,  I knew I was over doing it.

It turns out it was none of the above. It was stress. I was reluctant to blame it on this since I don’t feel overly stressed, but I have come to accept the truth. Between deployments, two young boys, several part time jobs…..some days it is just too much whether I realize it or not. I actually took the time to listen to my body. Anytime the boys are acting up, my shoulder hurts. When my husband and I disagree, my shoulder hurts. It is not just a coincidence.

Once I understood the cause for the pain I took some action and scheduled a massage. Just some time to relax, work out some of that tension and head back home refreshed. It was the best my neck had felt in months. I only wish this miracle treatment was a little cheaper!

While I may not be able to afford a massage every month, I do need to make sure to do something for myself to help ease some of that tension. Maybe take a walk, a long bath or just leave the boys and my husband at home to go out for a cup of coffee. Whatever it is, I now recognize that being a mom is stressful, whether I recognize it every day or not. For me to feel my best, I need to take some time to relax.

What are your ideas for stress relief? Please share in the comments below.