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July 2024
By Jenn Devine

I miss my children so much when they are away at camp. The house is so quiet it can feel disconcerting. And while I am happy that it is less messy and disorganized, that also feels a little “off” and I find myself almost missing the sneakers in the middle of the floor or the empty bowls and cups scattered everywhere. I look forward to checking the mailbox each day hoping today will be a “letter day”. With all that being said, there is much to be gained from this opportunity. We know our kids are not only safe and cared for, but are having experiences we could never dream of offering them and they are growing in the most wonderful ways. This time is amazing for our children, so it’s an opportunity to make it amazing for ourselves, the parents, as well. 

During the year, especially with after work/school being a hectic amalgamation of shuttling to different activities, it can be hard to get in time for your own exercise. Since camp started I have logged over 10,000 steps each day and I seriously love the buzz when my knock-off “smartwatch” tells me I hit that daily goal. And on these walks, I have seen chipmunks frolicking, squirrels that definitely found their stored nuts—judging by the size of them, and birds of every kind. And sometimes my husband or a friend from work joins me on the walks and I enjoy the opportunity to talk about anything and everything while also getting in some physical activity. I have cooked more thoughtful meals – I haven’t made spaghetti or frozen chicken nuggets once! My husband and I eat dinner together listening to a record on the record player, we play cards or board games, just the two of us, and we’ve caught up on movies like Oppenheimer that we don’t get an opportunity to watch when the kids are home (the length, the fact we only have one TV, and a myriad of other reasons always seem to get in the way). I may even—*gasp*—finally start reading the two books that have been on my nightstand for three months, but for some reason, I could never seem to focus on while the kids were home (if you’re interested, it’s “We Should Not Be Friends” by Will Schwalbe and “Benjamin Franklin” by Walter Isaacson).

And it’s okay if you don’t have an old hobby or interest to fall back on – now is an excellent time to discover a new one! How cool will your kids think it is if they come home, having learned some new skills of their own, and discover that you are now into ceramics or have a new garden or have crocheted a new blanket for their beds? And the other bonus is that you’ll have plenty of things to write to them about. So get out there and catch up with friends, get back into old hobbies, or discover new ones, and, if you have a partner, spend time reestablishing yourselves and your relationship when it is not centered around your kids. You gave your kids the gift of Onaway to help them discover their best selves, be active, and have fun. Knowing your child is in good hands, take this opportunity to do the same. Now is a good time to give yourself the gift of “self-care.”