I used the word “fear” because I couldn’t find another word that better described the situation. Every year, the same thing happens across all social classes. On one hand, wealthy parents have already started looking for summer camps for their children. They are determined to find “programs” that will keep their children occupied during the upcoming summer break.

On the other hand, poor parents are already wondering who will take care of their children during school breaks—especially at full-time schools. Of course, the reasoning is always the same for both social classes: parents need to work and have no one to leave their children with for such a long period of time.

But if we take a really close look at the situation—a very, very close look—we’ll realize that it’s not quite like that. There really are parents who need to leave their children in care facilities so they can work.

But this whole “only one option” story always bothers me: why is the only option for parents always to place their children in institutional care? Where are these children’s grandparents? Don’t they have godparents? Aren’t there other children in the building, on the street, or in the neighborhood? Why don’t parents organize collectively to take turns caring for each other’s children so that the children can stay in their own homes? Why don’t they ever think of the child as a priority? Why are children always the ones who have to be sacrificed so that parents can keep their jobs and routines?

I find it sad that in our society, a father’s and mother’s work—and the fact that both are employed—is always used as an excuse for not spending enough time with their children. We know there are extremes: parents who don’t want to take care of their children and turn to institutions. But there are also choices, and that’s what I want to point out here.

See also:

• The ban on cell phone use at school
• Childhood and Adolescence in a Healthy Relationship with Digital Technologies
• Online Gambling: From Literacy to Literacy, Education Can Make a Difference

Anyone who works and has children can easily coordinate their work vacation with their children’s vacation. But then there are countless excuses that aren’t relevant here; however, I want to make it clear that if both parents are willing to spend time with their children during vacation, it’s always possible. I’ll say it again—IT’S POSSIBLE; YOU JUST HAVE TO WANT IT. 

Parents need to understand that we can no longer accept the excuse that children always have to sacrifice part of their childhood for the sake of adults’ needs. We need to change this mindset.

Children need to go to the park and the town square with their parents—and that’s possible. Children need to play freely in the streets and in backyards—and that’s possible, too. Children need to have popcorn and delicious cookies in the afternoons while watching movies or playing video games. Children need to be idle, doing nothing, just gazing into space, without any expectations of any kind. None of this depends on social status. It depends on love, it depends on choices, it depends on the joy of being with those around you.

Parents may keep making a thousand excuses for not being able to spend time with their children during the upcoming vacation, but I keep saying that there’s clay everywhere, sticks under every tree, songs and stories inside our heads, and even animals to play with—we can find them right next door. A walk down the street, by the river, on a farm, or at a country house is perfectly suitable. What children want and love is companionship. What children love and want is uninhibited laughter, playing on the ground, hugs, hair blowing in the wind, wonder, and tenderness.

Choose to give your child the freedom to spend this vacation without a schedule, without lists of supplies, without surveillance cameras, without group activities, and without chores at those dreadful summer camps that feel more like extended school days.

Remember, kids need fresh air, to feel the ground beneath their feet, to get rained on, and to get covered in mud. All of this is free and can be found morning, afternoon, and night—you just have to want it. I hope you want the best for your child this summer. And the best part? Freedom!

About the author:

Share on social media: