My Summer Plan Is… Not to Have One

My Summer Plan Might Sound a Little Unconventional...

As an early years teacher, consultant, author, and perhaps most importantly, a mummy to a very busy four-year-old, people often assume I'll have a beautifully planned summer.

Colour-coded activities.

Carefully organised days out.

A bucket list of experiences.

A schedule packed with educational opportunities.

But this year?

I'm not making a summer plan.

And honestly, that feels like the most intentional decision I've made all year.

Because after spending more than 20 years working with young children, visiting hundreds of settings and studying Scandinavian approaches to childhood, I've come to believe something quite radical:

Children don't need more activities.

They need more childhood.

1. Embracing a Gentle Daily Rhythm

Inspired by the slow-paced family life I’ve observed in parts of Scandinavia and Canada, we're leaning into:

• Unhurried mornings

• Time outdoors each day

• Cosy rituals like reading, crafting, and sharing food
  No fixed agenda—just flow.

  

2. Decluttering Our Play Spaces

Before the holidays begin, I’m simplifying our environment:

• Rotating toys

• Clearing out the excess

• Creating calming, open-ended spaces that invite creativity and calm
  Because less stuff = more play.

  

3. Creating a Loose List of Local Adventures

We’re jotting down simple local places we might want to visit—no pressure, just inspiration:

• The local library

• A shaded stream

• Moorland rambles

• A picnic by a waterfall
  We’ll choose what feels right on the day.

  

4. Restocking Our Crafting Basket

With slow days ahead, I’m gathering a few creative essentials:

• Air dry clay

• Watercolours

• Beads and string
  Not for structured crafts—but for those moments when inspiration strikes.

  

The Real Reason I'm Choosing This Approach

If I'm honest, this isn't really about summer.

It's about childhood.

Everywhere I look, life seems to be speeding up.

Children are rushed.

Adults are rushed.

Learning is rushed.

Childhood is rushed.

And yet the happiest, calmest and most connected children I meet are rarely the busiest.

They're the ones who have time.

Time to play.

Time to wonder.

Time to be bored.

Time to explore.

Time to simply be children.

That's what I want for Oliver this summer.

And perhaps that's what many of us want for the children in our lives too.

If You're Craving a Slower, More Meaningful Approach...

If reading this feels like a breath of fresh air...

If you're tired of feeling like childhood has become a race...

If you're longing for calmer days, deeper play and more connection...

I'd love to invite you to join my free training.

🌿 FREE TRAINING: 3 Steps to Creating a Calmer, More Engaged Early Years Environment

This free session has helped thousands of educators and parents rethink what children truly need to thrive.

Inside, I'll show you:

✨ Why many children are becoming overwhelmed and disengaged

✨ The Scandinavian-inspired principles that create calmer, happier children

✨ How to encourage deeper play, stronger connections and greater wellbeing

✨ The simple changes that make the biggest difference at home and in your setting

And perhaps most importantly...

You'll discover why doing less is often the most powerful thing we can do.

👉 Join the free training here Watch Here

Because the goal isn't to fill every moment of childhood.

The goal is to create enough space for childhood to unfold.

And maybe that's not a lack of a plan after all.

Maybe it's the most important plan we could ever make. 🤍