10 Tips to Survive Summer
Summer months can be both exciting and challenging for parents & kids alike. The routines we created all school year get tossed out like yesterday’s uneaten lunch. While the rush to get out the door on time for school is lifted, the loosey-goosey lack of a schedule comes with its own set of struggles. For instance, while I prefer a looser schedule for the day, my son thrives off of routine and predictable structure. On the surface, the combination of the two doesn’t seem like they would mix well, but we’ve actually found a way to marry what we love and what we don’t to create a summer time structure that works for us both!
Whether they’re on to camp, home for the months ahead, or a mix of both, here are some ways to help keep us parents & caregivers sane and the kiddos entertained:
Plan activities: Create a schedule of activities and outings for your children. This can include visits to parks, museums, and swimming pools, or even organizing playdates with friends. Having a plan in place will help you stay organized, keep some sense of a routine, and keep the kids engaged.
Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries and rules for your children during the summer break. This will help maintain a sense of structure and discipline, preventing chaos and keeping everyone on track.
Take breaks: Make sure to take regular breaks for yourself. Set aside some time each day to do something you enjoy, whether it's reading a book, practicing a hobby, or simply relaxing. Self-care is crucial for maintaining your sanity.
Engage in outdoor activities: Encourage your children to spend time outside, and join them in outdoor activities. Go for family walks or bike rides, have picnics in the park, or play games in the backyard. Fresh air and physical activity can be rejuvenating for both you and your kids. Even if you need to work, bring your laptop outside and sit with them while they play. The fresh air works for everyone, no matter how you’re getting it.
Seek support: Reach out to other parents or join parenting groups in your community. Sharing experiences and tips with others can be helpful, and you may even find opportunities for cooperative childcare or shared activities.
Create a routine: Establishing a daily routine can help provide structure and predictability during the summer. Set regular wake-up and bedtimes, meal times, and dedicated time for learning or quiet activities. This will help create a sense of stability for you and your children and helps to strengthen their autonomy.
Prioritize self-care: Remember to take care of yourself. Get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise regularly. Make time for activities that recharge and energize you, whether it's taking a yoga class, meditating, or simply enjoying a hot bath.
Utilize resources: Take advantage of resources available in your community, such as summer camps, sports programs, or art classes. These activities can provide a break for you while keeping your children engaged and entertained. Not all are priced out of participation. Check local parks in your area to see what free and low-cost activities are available to you.
Embrace downtime: While it's essential to plan activities, it's also important to embrace downtime. Allow your children to have unstructured playtime where they can use their imagination and entertain themselves. It’s ok to ‘be bored’ because it allows their brains to activate their creative thinking & problem-solving skills. Leaving open-ended play trays and kits around help with this as well. They can find ways to play and entertain themselves while you use that time to relax and recharge.
Practice mindfulness: We all love to document the moments that are fleeting on our phones but do your best to stay present and practice mindfulness during the summer months. Enjoy the simple moments with your children, whether it's building sandcastles at the beach, watching a sunset together, or having a family movie night. Capture a pic or two but then put phones away. Being fully present can help you appreciate the joys of summer while they remember your participation that year, not the documentation of it.
Every family summer plan is as unique as their family but we all have to deal with the unwritten stresses that come when our kids are home ALL DAY extensively.
Remember, it's normal to have challenging moments as a parent, but by implementing these strategies, you can stay sane and make the most of these limited summer months with your kids!.