"Mindfully occupied instead of merely occupied" is fantastic. Goals! I loved this post, Adrian. Thank you for it.
What I'm doing this summer. Plenty of behind-the-scenes admin tasks, connecting with people over coffee/walks, reading!! writing, getting around-the-house projects done that don't happen during the school year.
Sue, I'm so pleased to hear that you enjoyed this. I find that when things finally slow down, and I'm able to return to my less-stressed self, I inevitably start connecting with others. And then there are those always-present To Do items. Enjoy your final month or so of summer!
Love this! I too find that my teens are more willing (barely) to keep their devices off if I lead the way.
It sounds like your family is doing as well as any of us can with teens and tech right now. Thanks for sharing your experience. Kudos, and happy last month of summer!
Thanks! Some weeks with my teens it's "one step forward, two steps back." Even on the days when technology wins, I appreciate the conversations we are having as a family.
I'm glad you enjoyed this piece. Enjoy the rest of your summer!
I have that experience, too. We play the long game. As long as they know about the offline pleasures, they may remember to seek them later. Do you sometimes see your kids disgusted with their friends for being online so much? That's one of my favorite chuckles.
Of course, we're all guessing. Thank goodness for habits of following the heart. I think it's the best we can do.
Sometimes. Mostly, my teens complain about missing certain cultural references in their friend groups. Every so often, when a social media crisis happens at school, they seem grateful that they don’t have social media.
Very helpful in the present as a parent of younger kids but also in thinking about the inevitable teenage years ahead (where inevitably even more technological allures will abound). Appreciate your openness in these reflections!
Helpful, inspiring. Great writing. I appreciate your positive tone!
Thanks for the positive note! I’m happy to hear you enjoyed this piece.
"Mindfully occupied instead of merely occupied" is fantastic. Goals! I loved this post, Adrian. Thank you for it.
What I'm doing this summer. Plenty of behind-the-scenes admin tasks, connecting with people over coffee/walks, reading!! writing, getting around-the-house projects done that don't happen during the school year.
Sue, I'm so pleased to hear that you enjoyed this. I find that when things finally slow down, and I'm able to return to my less-stressed self, I inevitably start connecting with others. And then there are those always-present To Do items. Enjoy your final month or so of summer!
Love this! I too find that my teens are more willing (barely) to keep their devices off if I lead the way.
It sounds like your family is doing as well as any of us can with teens and tech right now. Thanks for sharing your experience. Kudos, and happy last month of summer!
Thanks! Some weeks with my teens it's "one step forward, two steps back." Even on the days when technology wins, I appreciate the conversations we are having as a family.
I'm glad you enjoyed this piece. Enjoy the rest of your summer!
I have that experience, too. We play the long game. As long as they know about the offline pleasures, they may remember to seek them later. Do you sometimes see your kids disgusted with their friends for being online so much? That's one of my favorite chuckles.
Of course, we're all guessing. Thank goodness for habits of following the heart. I think it's the best we can do.
Sometimes. Mostly, my teens complain about missing certain cultural references in their friend groups. Every so often, when a social media crisis happens at school, they seem grateful that they don’t have social media.
It is definitely a long game!
For board games we love Wingspan and Viticulture :)
I just picked up Wingspan and plan to play it this week. I’ll check out Viticulture, too!
Yay!! Viticulture is a little more involved. Our kids (10 and 11) can do it with a lot of help, so usually just my husband and I play it 🥰
Very helpful in the present as a parent of younger kids but also in thinking about the inevitable teenage years ahead (where inevitably even more technological allures will abound). Appreciate your openness in these reflections!
Marcus, I’m glad to hear that you found this piece helpful. The struggle is real! I hope you and your kiddos are enjoying the summer break.