Parents: Your summer survival guide
By Haley Nelson
Ah, summer: School is out and fun is in! But after the novelty of summer freedom wears off, kids struggle to know what to do with themselves. And hearing the dreaded “I’m bored!” can get on a parent’s nerves quickly. However, it is possible to enjoy the summer and maintain your sanity at the same time. Next time you hear them say, “There’s nothing to do!” you’ll be ready with this list of tips.
Create a calendar. Sure, a relaxed summer schedule is nice, but too much “relaxation” can backfire. Kids crave structure and while there’s no need to set up a rigid schedule (like during the school year), having some sort of routine actually helps keep the summer moving at a relaxed pace. Consider creating daily schedules and include these four items: Chores (because they must get done, right?); Learning (keep it fun, of course); Playtime (after all, that’s what summer is for); and Downtime (so kids can just chill and hang out). It’s also helpful to eat regular meals at regular times (to avoid slipping into bad eating habits) and maintain a regular bedtime (so the transition back to school won't be too difficult).
Plan some activities – but don’t overplan. Summer is a great time to enjoy activities together as a family but resist the temptation to do too much. After all, overscheduling wears parents and kids out. By the end of summer, everyone will be exhausted. Instead, let summer be a time to slow down from the hustle and bustle of the school year. You don’t need to travel far to enjoy some family fun. Visit some local attractions (see page 34 for great ideas), go on a family bike ride or a hike, or just camp in your own backyard.
Create a boredom buster jar. Create your own “bored jar” by designating an empty container to fill with slips of paper containing activities (including a few chores!) to be done. Every time a child complains “I’m bored!” have them draw a slip from the jar and do whatever is listed. Choose several activities that your kids might not think of, such as drawing with sidewalk chalk, painting the fence with water, making a fort out of blankets, or creating a sculpture from pretzels and peanut butter. Add some activities that keep their minds sharp while out of school, such as reading a book or writing a story. Get sneaky and add a couple of papers that say, “Help Mom with a chore.” Include tasks such as brushing the dog, picking up toys, sweeping the floor, and weeding the garden. Make the jobs simpler for younger children, or plan on assisting if they pick a more difficult job. To lighten the mood, add in a few humorous “jobs” to the mix, such as doing jumping jacks or giving the dolls and trucks a bath.
Set up some summer help. Everybody needs a break. Look for opportunities to get some help – your sanity will thank you for it. Enlist the help of summer camps, babysitters, family or friends. Consider setting up a childcare co-op and swap “free time” with your friends or the parents of your children's friends. Choose one day a week where you and your friends alternate providing activities for all the kids, such as baking cookies or planning an art activity. It could free up several hours a week for you.
Power hour. It’s easy to lose all of our alone time when kids are out of school, so consider scheduling some “me time” to prevent burn out. Take advantage of the time when kids are in bed to take a bath and read a book. Or get up before your kids and carve out some time to care for yourself – physically, emotionally and spiritually. Another option is to set up a “quiet time” each afternoon for reading, writing or just relaxing. It offers kids a chance to recharge their batteries, learn to play independently, and be comfortable with themselves – and gives mom or dad a chance to refuel as well – it’s a win/win!
Stay flexible. Just because you have a summer “plan” doesn’t mean it’s written in stone. It will change – count on it. If you expect things to change, chances are that you will handle those changes much more smoothly. On occasion, you might throw the whole schedule out the window and spend the entire day at the park or museum, or just hang out in PJs and read books all day. Just roll with it – that’s what summer is all about.
Summer seems like a long span of time, but with these strategies, hopefully you will find it a little more sane and a lot more satisfying too.
