Advice from Annie Lane.
Dear Annie: I always pictured summer as the one time of year when our family could finally slow down. During the school year, we are all racing from homework to practices to carpools to late dinners.
I thought summer would bring beach days, lazy mornings, cookouts and maybe one real vacation where we could reconnect without everyone checking a team schedule. Instead, our summers have become just as busy as the school year, maybe busier. My 13-year-old son plays on a travel baseball team, and my 15-year-old daughter plays competitive soccer. Between practices, tournaments, showcases and “optional” training sessions that do not feel optional at all, nearly every weekend is taken.
We have spent more nights in chain hotels near sports complexes than anywhere that feels like a vacation. The kids love their teams, and I am proud of their dedication. I also know these experiences have taught them discipline, teamwork and resilience. But I miss us.
I miss board games and late-night swims. My husband says this is just the price of raising competitive kids today. I refuse to accept that. There has to be another way.
But I worry that we are letting coaches and tournament schedules run our family. Is it selfish to want one week away together, even if it means missing games and disappointing a team? No, it is not selfish to want a family vacation. It is parenting.
Sports are wonderful. They teach grit, teamwork and discipline. But they should add to family life and not take it over. Talk to your husband, and then talk to your kids.
Tell them you are proud of them. Also tell them your family needs time together. Someone may be disappointed. That is OK.
Missing one tournament will not ruin a child’s future. Missing years of family summers might leave a bigger mark. My boyfriend is kind, funny and good to me in many ways, but there is one big problem: He does not like my dog. My dog was in my life before he was.
She is sweet, older and a little spoiled, but she is family to me. My boyfriend complains about the hair, the barking and the fact that I let her sleep on the couch. He says I treat the dog like a person. Now I feel caught between the man I love and the dog who has been my loyal companion for years.
Am I being unreasonable for expecting him to accept her? Your boyfriend does not have to love your dog, but he does need to respect that she matters to you. Talk with him about what is reasonable. Maybe there are compromises around the couch, barking or dog hair.
But there should not be constant criticism. Annie Lane Annie Lane offers common-sense solutions to everyday problems. She's firm, funny and sympathetic, echoing the style of her biggest inspiration, Ann Landers. She lives outside Manhattan with her husband, two kids and two dogs.
When not writing, she devotes her time to play dates and Play-Doh. Write her: dearannie@creators.com
Please follow us on Google to support usUnited States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
What LSU Fans Should Watch When Lane Kiffin Takes the Stage at SEC Media DaysLane Kiffin steps to the podium at SEC Media Days on July 23 as college football's most closely watched new hire, headlining the final day of the SEC's preseaso
Read more »
Dear Annie: I’m exhausted with constantly being the available and dependable oneAdvice from Annie Lane.
Read more »
Annie Leibovitz Launches Copyright Lawsuit Over Her Image of Justin and Hailey BieberShe is seeking up to $150,000 for each alleged infringement of her photograph.
Read more »
Annie Andrews vs. Darline Graham: Who Has the Edge?South Carolina's Senate race has been transformed since Lindsey Graham's death. Here's where the contest stands.
Read more »