If you are like me, summer is around the corner. My kids are still in school. A lot of your kids are already finished with school for the year. Summer is an exciting time filled with sunshine and fun. It can also be a bit overwhelming to have the kids home all day, every day. Here are some tips to help you navigate the summer months and make the most of this special time with your children.
- Create a Flexible Routine
Kids thrive on routine, and having a loose structure can help keep everyone on track. Establish a summer schedule that includes time for meals, outdoor play, reading, and quiet time. A predictable routine can reduce chaos and keep everyone in a good mood. If you are like me, you will resist routine and need some non-routine time. However, I will need to get back into some sort of routine to keep everyone’s sanity.
- Plan Fun Activities
Summer is the perfect time to try new things and explore. Make a list of fun activities you can do together, like visiting the zoo, having a picnic, going on a nature walk, or trying out a new craft project. Having a list ready will help you avoid the “I’m bored” complaints. I find a little outing every day helps us all. It doesn’t need to be all day. Even a couple hours out of the house are helpful.
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Embrace Outdoor Play
Take advantage of the warm weather and get outside as much as possible. Set up a sprinkler in the backyard, go to the local pool, or have a beach day. Outdoor play is great for kids’ physical health and can help burn off some of that extra energy. You may be like me and have a pool in your backyard. My kids will get bored of the pool quickly. I will encourage them to come outside with me every day to go swimming. I will also have them invite friends over because they would prefer to hang out in the pool with their friends.
- Schedule Downtime
While it’s important to keep the kids active, it’s also crucial to schedule some downtime. Allow for quiet moments where everyone can relax, read a book, or enjoy a quiet activity. This helps prevent burnout and gives everyone a chance to recharge. My kids are all currently burned out from school. They will all need some down time to recharge after working so hard at school
- Encourage Reading
Keep those brain cells active by encouraging a love of reading. Create a summer reading list, visit the library regularly, or start a family book club. Reading is a wonderful way to keep kids entertained and learning throughout the summer. My husband and I love to read, and we love it when we see the whole family reading together. They will model us if they see us reading! It also helps to get them a new book from the library that they are excited to read!
- Stay Cool and Hydrated
Remember to keep everyone cool and hydrated during the hot summer days. Keep a stash of water bottles handy, offer plenty of fruits and veggies, and take breaks in the shade or indoors when it gets too hot outside. I find that my daughter gets really cranky if she hasn’t eaten enough or had enough water. Food and water are so important. I also know how cranky my kids get if they are too hot. They need AC and pool breaks to cool off.
- Plan Day Trips
You don’t have to go on a long vacation to have an adventure. Plan day trips to nearby attractions like museums, parks, or historical sites. These mini adventures can be just as exciting and much less stressful than a full-blown vacation. Ask your kids what they would like to do this summer. They may have great ideas!
- Get Creative with Crafts
Keep a stash of craft supplies on hand for rainy days or when it’s too hot to play outside. Pinterest is full of easy and fun craft ideas that kids can do with minimal supervision. Crafting can be a great way to spend time together and create lasting memories. I also like to take a trip to Michael’s with my kids to do a craft shopping trip. I let them pick out supplies and then head home to work on it.
- Make Chores Fun / Get Help
Summer is a great time to teach kids responsibility and to get more help around the house. Turn chores into a game or a friendly competition. Offer small rewards or incentives for completing tasks, making it a positive experience for everyone. I know that kids gain confidence from learning how to do things around the house. I know that my kids have expressed an interest in cooking more this summer. I also know that my daughter wants to learn how to do her own laundry. It is a win win situation. The kids learn life skills and you get help. Us moms don’t have to do everything. We have a family team that is able to do part of the load.
- Stay Positive and Flexible
Remember, not everything will go according to plan, and that’s okay. Stay positive and flexible, and don’t be too hard on yourself. The goal is to have fun and enjoy this time with your kids. If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to switch gears and try something new.
- Lower your Expectations
You may have this idea of what you want your summer to look like. Don’t set the bar high. If the house is a mess, it’s ok. If the kids are staying in their pj’s for the day, it’s ok. Maybe you have to work all day and you don’t have time to entertain your children. That’s ok! Your kids will be ok! Let go of expectations and try to just enjoy the summer with your children!
- Boredom is ok!
I want to remind you that it is ok for your children to be bored. While I want to have fun with my kids, I also am not capable of being the entertainment committee all day. Boredom leads to imagination! What will they come up with if they are bored? My daughter ended up making bracelets and selling them at her lemonade stand when she was bored.
- Schedule a camp or activity.
If you can afford it, schedule a camp or activity for your children. Even just a week in the summer can help break it up.
Bonus Tip: Self-Care for Moms
Amid all the summer fun, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Schedule some “me time” to relax and recharge. Whether it’s reading a book, taking a walk, or enjoying a quiet cup of coffee, self-care is essential for maintaining your sanity and energy levels. Your kids don’t mind if you take time for yourself. They want a happy mom! We want to model taking care of ourselves!
Summer with kids can be a wonderful adventure filled with laughter, learning, and love. With a little planning and a lot of flexibility, you can create a summer that your family will remember for years to come.
Happy summer! Let’s make this a good one!
Laughing, Learning, Loving,
Rebecca Greene, LCSW-R
What are your favorite summer activities to do with your kids? Share your ideas and tips in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you!
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