Unplugged & Off-Schedule
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
written by Rev. Leah Quarles
We are just five weeks into our first go at elementary school. Just five weeks in, I’m both impressed with how easily our kindergartener has smoothly transitioned to wearing school ID’s, doing homework, and remembering which day is car line pickup versus after-school clubs. I’m also shocked at how quickly our days and weeks have become automated. Nearly every day of the week there is some rehearsal, practice, or game to run to. Our after-school time has a clear routine–walk in the door, take off shoes, wash hands (please don’t bring home the flu this year), unpack bookbag and lunchbox, do homework.
There is nothing wrong with a routine. In fact, decades of child psychology research show that predictable structure provides a developmental foundation that helps children build critical life skills. Because children cannot read clocks or look ahead at a calendar, consistent daily patterns act as their primary roadmap for understanding the world. Developmental specialists at Seattle Children's Hospital highlight that routines also build deep emotional resilience. When a child feels grounded by a stable structure at home, they are significantly better equipped to handle unexpected external changes or stressors.
So we get the point–routine is good. Not just for kids but for parents and families too. But sometimes I admit that the new routine we’ve discovered can feel at times rigid. So this past weekend our family was so excited to throw the schedule out the window and head north to Flagstaff for a weekend of camping. It was an exercise in flexibility—when we realized we wouldn’t get out in time to set up camp in daylight, we shifted plans and were warmly welcomed into the home of a family from church for the night. Thank you, Garzolini’s! Sometimes when plans change, it isn’t bad! And everything is not lost! Sometimes, even more fun is had.
We explored Lava River Cave outside of Flagstaff and discovered how brave and adventurous our daughter was (especially in a dark, cold cave that is eerily reminiscent of many scary movies I’ve seen). Watching kids get creative in the wilderness was another joy–holding a baseball game with tree stumps for bases and sticks for a bat.
At camp, completely unplugged, my husband and I witnessed how “I’m bored” quickly unfolded into creativity—discovering how ratchet straps on a pickup truck's ladder rack can become a swing. Exploring the floor of a pine forest, gathering firewood, and even volunteering to help cook dinner and wash the dishes. We felt like we were giving her an opportunity to enjoy childhood like we did–outside, unplugged, and off-schedule. As we all slowed down and just went with the flow, we were able to witness how much our five-year-old has grown and how capable and curious she is. We cannot wait to do it again.
The thing is–whether you have kids or not, whether you camp or not, we all could use a little time to unplug from the world and our devices, to go off-schedule and discover what happens when we deviate from routine, slow down from the rat race, and explore something new. We are worth it.