Lately, I can’t scroll social media without seeing the same refrain: “Parents today are over-programming their kids.” The posts usually include nostalgic memories of summers spent riding bikes until the streetlights came on, building forts in the woods, or being blissfully bored. The criticism follows: Parents are supposedly filling their kids’ summers with expensive enrichment classes because they can’t stand to let them be bored—or because they’re convinced every moment needs to be optimized for future success.
Let’s pause for a reality check.
The truth is, most parents aren’t sending their kids to summer camps because they’re terrified of boredom or because they’re chasing the next enrichment badge. They’re doing it because they have to.
Today, the majority of families have all parents or caregivers working. Many don’t live near grandparents or relatives who can help. And while “just let the kids roam free” might have worked in decades past, it’s not so simple anymore—especially for younger children who need supervision.
Summer camp, for many families, isn’t a luxury or an overzealous attempt at enrichment. It’s childcare.
And let’s be honest: most of us aren’t thrilled about the cost. Summer camp fees often stretch family budgets to the breaking point. Parents aren’t signing up for these programs because they’re eager to shell out thousands of dollars—they’re signing up because they’re trying to piece together a safe, engaging summer while they keep their jobs and pay the bills.
So before we critique parents for “over-scheduling” their kids, let’s acknowledge the bigger picture:
- Families are doing their best with the options available.
- Many would gladly embrace more unstructured time for their kids—if safe, affordable supervision were part of the equation.
- The judging? It doesn’t help. Not one bit.
What would help? Creative solutions that actually meet families where they are. That might look like:
- Affordable community-based summer programs
- More flexible work arrangements
- Investment in safe public spaces where kids really can roam
- Policies that recognize the childcare gap summer creates
At SHIFT Work + Play, we know parents are navigating this terrain every single day—not because they’re afraid of boredom, but because they’re trying to build a summer that works for their whole family.
So here’s to dropping the judgment. Here’s to more compassion, more creativity, and more real support for parents doing the best they can. We see you!