Embracing Balance: Strategies for a Fulfilling Summer

Embracing Balance: Strategies for a Fulfilling Summer

As the school year comes to an end, excitement fills the air. For both mums and children, the long summer holiday is a time to celebrate freedom and adventure. Plans are made, dates are finalized, and flights are booked for family trips. For those staying behind, countless playdates are scheduled to keep the kids engaged and happy.

Our usual summer destination was Mumbai, India and I must have spent at least 12 summers there, out of the 18 years that we have been away from our country (covid years included). 12 summers of 6 full weeks each, most of that time spent in Mumbai fully immersed with family. Now as a mom of two big boys—21 and 17—its a different summer. Gone are the days of holiday timetables and endless fun time. Instead, I find myself reflecting on the wonderful memories we created and the simple strategies we used to keep our summer enjoyable and fulfilling and how they shaped our family bonds.

A Morning Routine

To keep my boys busy and happy, we created a morning routine centered around what I called “fun study.” Mornings were filled with colorful activity books for math and English, alongside their language lessons in Hindi. These engaging materials made learning feel like a game rather than a chore. Their grandma also played a big role, bringing along enjoyable Gujarati books, which helped strengthen their connection to our roots.

Family Time

Afternoons were all about free play. They visited their grandparents, cousins, and family friends, who lived in the same building and locality making it easy for them to meet up. These gatherings were special, allowing my boys to build strong ties with family back home. I loved catching up with my own school friends while our kids played together.

Summer Adventures

Living in Mumbai, we fully embraced the monsoon season. My boys loved splashing in the rain and indulging in delicious street food. I never worried about them catching a cold; even if they did, it was all part of the fun! Afternoons were spent watching movies and playing video games with their cousins. We learned to appreciate the little joys, like playing in the park or sharing meals as a family. One of my favorite memories was bringing home stray dogs and puppies who would follow us around. My boys took great pleasure in caring for these furry friends during our stay. These simple moments became some of our most cherished memories, filling our summers with laughter and love.

Learning and Values

Values were always a central part of my boys’ upbringing, and something that was a part of our daily living, we believed in practice rather than preaching. In Mumbai, I often took them to the fire temple where they learned more about our traditions and customs. These visits were not just about rituals, they offered opportunities for deeper understanding and connection to our heritage. Coming from a priest family, we incorporated prayer lessons into our routine, as they got ready for their initiation into becoming Zoroastrian priests, which they both are today, just like their father. It is heartwarming to see them embrace these lessons, growing in both knowledge and character.

Looking Back

Now, as my boys look forward to visiting India whenever they can, I treasure those summer memories. Balancing structured activities with free time helped us create strong family bonds and unforgettable experiences.

As you plan your summer, remember that balance doesn’t mean everything has to be perfect. It’s about enjoying time together, making memories, and celebrating the joy of family. Here’s to a summer filled with laughter and love!