Week 21 & 22: One-on-One Time, Co-Parenting Wins, and the Power of Summer Camp Dinner #60

Sometimes, parenting gives you a season where the pace slows down, the to-do list gets a little shorter, and the moments feel more intentional. Weeks 21 and 22 were that for me. It was just my son and me at home while my daughter was off having the time of her life at summer camp.

When I first realized it would just be the two of us, I imagined we’d do a whirlwind of activities, check off projects, maybe even tackle some house organization. Reality? He had other plans.

And honestly… I’m so glad he did.

Starting the Week with a Bang (and an EEG)

Our week began with a big milestone: my son’s regular EEG. Every few years we check in to see how his seizure activity is doing. This time, we nailed it. He stayed up all night so he could sleep during the test, and for the first time ever, we got exactly the readings we needed in just 20 minutes (instead of the usual stressful hour).

After that? We both came home, collapsed, and declared it a slow day.

Slower Days, Deeper Connection

The next few days became an unexpected stretch of quiet. My son caught up with friends, swam at local spots, and enjoyed just being a teenager in summer. We had a few meals together, binge-watched some shows, and spent time.

Then he spent a few days with his dad. That’s a part of our story I’ll always be honest about: co-parenting hasn’t been easy. In fact, the road here has been long and bumpy. But seeing him spend quality time with his dad is important to me. Research backs this up: kids who have strong, positive relationships with both parents tend to have better self-esteem, do better in school, and have healthier relationships themselves later in life.

The reality is, for years I was a “single married parent” doing the daily grind of school drop-offs, homework help, doctor’s appointments, and bedtime routines solo, even when I wasn’t technically single. Now that I know exactly what to expect (and what not to expect), it’s actual easier.

Camp Prep Madness

When he came back, we had a big task ahead: packing for Epilepsy Camp. This camp is a highlight of his year. An entire week with other kids who “get it.” No explanations, no feeling different, just belonging.

If you’ve never sent your kids to camp, here’s why I’m so passionate about it:

• Resilience: They learn to handle little challenges without me swooping in.

• Independence: They make daily choices (like what to eat) without relying on me.

• Social Skills: They work through cabin disagreements and make friends from all over.

• Unplugged Time: Camp is a rare break from screens. It is filled with sunshine, fresh air, and real conversations.

  
  

And for kids with medical needs, like my son, specialized camps are lifelines. They create a safe space to try new things, build confidence, and feel “normal.”

Two Kids, One Dinner

Saturday morning, I picked my daughter up from her camp. Two weeks of nature, friendship, and zero screens had her glowing. Our tradition is simple: Starbucks on the way home, then a cozy rest day.

That night, the three of us sat down together for our first family dinner in weeks: frozen lasagna, nothing fancy. My daughter shared camp stories, my son opened up about his excitement for his own camp the next day, and for a moment, everything felt perfectly in place.

Why This Matters in the 100 Family Dinners Journey

One dinner. That’s all we managed as a trio over two weeks but it was enough. Family dinners aren’t about the quantity; they’re about the quality. And sometimes, the quality comes from everything else you’ve done together that week: the conversations in the car, the moments in the kitchen, the quiet days where you just exist in the same space.

Parenting teens is tricky, they’re busy, independent, and often distracted. But the key is showing up consistently, creating traditions, and carving out moments for connection. Even if it’s over lasagna after a long day.

Takeaway for Fellow Moms:

• Don’t underestimate one-on-one time with your teen, even if it’s quiet and unplanned.

• Co-parenting may be hard, but focusing on the positive impact of their other parent matters for your child’s growth.

• Summer camp is more than just “fun” it’s a confidence, independence, and resilience builder.

• One intentional family dinner can be more valuable than five rushed ones.

  
  

What about you? How do you stay connected with your teen during the summer? Drop a comment below or share your own family dinner tradition.