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That was then. This is now.

About of public school children in the U.S. participate in summer academic programs, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Many students go to athletic camps, designed to turn kids into elite athletes. And virtually every elite university for high school and middle school students.

This is what began the dismantling of summer as we knew it. By sending kids to space, robotics and other camps, we hope we are setting them up for successful lives.

But are we? 

What is the cost of having too much structure, which leaves less opportunity for down time and family fun?  American students are , according to the Program for International Student Assessment. Surveys also suggest  in teen interest in science, technology, engineering and math. Left unfixed, these deficiencies may have profound implications for technological innovation and the economy. 

Changing the pace and tenor of historically relaxing summers comes at a cost. Today, when we feel pressure to be as efficient and productive as possible, we are in deep need of a break. Two-thirds of adults in the workforce feel burned out and overworked, according to researchers at . About 80% of college students report higher burnout, according to . This is attributed to insufficient sleep, fear of failure and an uncertain path ahead. And  of teens report feeling stress about their appearance, social life, fitting in, the fear of missing out and navigating relationships.

This toxic brew of anxieties and fatigue in families needs attention. Allowing unstructured time over the summer may be part of the remedy.

The freedom to unwind and connect with loved ones, enjoy hobbies and relax might be just what the doctor ordered -- and not just for kids. Adults similarly need to rejuvenate their tired minds and bodies. Many are at night when they are supposedly off duty.

In my family, every summer we went to the shores of Lake Michigan, swam to the buoy marking deep water, and then high-fived it. We played tennis and returned to our grandparents’ home to struggle through a crossword puzzle together. We had many family traditions that refilled our tank before heading back to school in the fall. 

Summer vacation was initially designed for the agrarian calendar, where the farmer’s children were needed for the harvest. As industrialization began, the need for summer labor fell. Since then, new needs have emerged.

Focusing on personal health and maintaining quality relationships can anchor us in turbulent waters. Unstructured time, especially during the summer, is a chance to shore up our core. 

Decompressing from an overpacked, overstressed life takes time. Families most often vacation in July, with leaving for 10 to 21 days, according to Investment Property Exchange Services. Spending time as a family in an unscripted, relaxed way is the surest sign of a real vacation.

The benefit of leisure time in the summer is a feeling of being rejuvenated. I like to hang out with loved ones near a body of water or mountain. Taking a summer break allows us to be better at almost everything — from rediscovering our creativity to having more patience for those around us, to believing in our ability to solve challenging problems. 

With this mindset during the summer, the living really can be easy.