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Jennifer Joyner

Jennifer Joyner

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Fayette-Mom: Surviving summer

By Jennifer Joyner

Posted: May 29, 2012

Tags: Summer camps, Mom's Life

For the first time I can remember, I am not dreading summer.

It seems silly, but for years, I dreaded the summer months, not knowing how I was going to fill the hours and entertain my kids. There’s only so much fun in going to the pool every day, you know?

Last year was a disaster. My kids convinced me not to sign them up for much, saying they needed a break from school and a relaxed schedule. Boy, did I live to regret that one. They were bored by week two!

This year, I have the perfect mix of organized activities and free time. When my daughter came to me in May and said she wanted to go to a two week drama camp, I signed her up immediately, before she had the chance to change her mind. For my son, I found two different camps that feature activities he is interested in, plus plenty of his friends to go along.

Sprinkled in are a couple of family vacations and two Vacation Bible Schools, one with an afternoon drama camp that my daughter will love.

I can’t tell you the relief I feel from having a plan. Sure, I know boredom will still be a problem (I am dealing with kids, aren’t I?). But at least I know I’ve done what I can to help ease the pain.

Jennifer is a mom of two and WRAL-TV assignment editor in Fayetteville. Her food obsession memoir, “Designated Fat Girl,” came out in 2010. Read more about Jennifer and her book on her website. Find her here on Go Ask Mom on Tuesdays.

Copyright 2012 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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3 Comments

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camps? must be nice to afford all that.

turkeydance
May 30, 2012 8:30 p.m.

It's a shame and in indictment on our culture when time with our children is something to be "survived".

jonnraleigh
May 29, 2012 8:18 p.m.

Thank you Jennifer. Sometimes I feel I am the only one who feels this way about summer.

momma6
May 29, 2012 2:55 p.m.

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