Friday Fieldwork: Hold the Plan Loosely
Sometimes the best family memories are the ones you never planned.
Earlier this week, we looked at Clark Griswold from the Vacation movies and wrestled with a simple question:
Am I creating memories...
or trying to create perfect memories?
Clark believed the memory depended on the plan.
The perfect destination.
The perfect schedule.
The perfect Christmas lights.
Life had other ideas.
This week’s fieldwork isn’t about lowering your expectations. If you want to design the perfect camping trip…
with a color-coded packing list, backup snacks for your backup snacks, and a weather app checked every 12 minutes…
go right ahead (I know I still will).
Just make sure your expectations don’t keep you from enjoying the moment you’re already in…
even when the “perfect plan” involves a broken tent pole, a missing marshmallow bag, and someone asking to go home five minutes after you arrive.
This Week’s Fieldwork
1. Make a Plan
Plan one simple family activity this week.
Go for a bike ride.
Roast marshmallows.
Play catch.
Visit a park.
Build something. The plan matters. Having something to look forward to is part of the fun.
2. Expect the Unexpected
Before you begin, tell yourself one simple truth: Something probably won’t go according to plan.
The weather may change.
Someone may complain.
Something may break.
The schedule may shift.
When it happens, don’t treat it like a failure. Treat it like part of the story. Lean into it and make it fun and memorable!
3. Ask One Question
Before the day ends, ask your kids:
What made today memorable?
Listen to what they say. Was it the activity you planned OR was it something unexpected?
The funny comment.
The wrong turn.
The frog by the campfire.
The impromptu rain dance.
Their answers might surprise you. The memory is often hiding where the plan fell apart.
Why It Matters
As dads, we naturally want to create great experiences for our families.
There’s nothing wrong with that.
The challenge comes when we become so focused on protecting the plan that we stop participating in the moment.
Our kids rarely remember the itinerary.
They remember how it felt to be with us.
Closing Reminder
Love these ideas!