We’ve spent most of this month talking about organizing and planning for back to school. I’d like to end the series by talking about NOT planning.

All too often, kids today seem overscheduled and overwhelmed. They have soccer practice, karate class, library story time, tutoring, robotics club, art, music, and dance lessons, etc. When they aren’t scheduled, they are usually tethered to a screen of some sort.

There’s a lot to be said for unscheduled time and free play outdoors. When do kids have time to sit under a tree with a good book, run around the yard, play ball in the cul de sac, or just make up silly games.

Planning and staying organized is important specifically because it frees up time to do the things you love. When it gets overwhelming and keeps you inside on a gorgeous late summer day, it’s time to put away the list and get outside!