Summer Scheduling Strategies
Summer is just around the corner, and with the warm weather comes the end of the school year. It’s an event most kids look forward to eagerly, but it can be overwhelming for busy parents who have the challenge of keeping everyone occupied without the structure of school. If this sounds like you, here are a few ideas to help you schedule your summer.
Keep a Routine
With no school the next day, it can be tempting to let mealtimes and bedtimes slide. In the long run though, it’s usually better to stick as close to your normal routine as possible. It’s okay to be spontaneous and deviate from the schedule occasionally, but most kids respond well to order and routine. Staying consistent will make your summer more pleasant and the adjustment back to school in the fall a lot easier on both you and your kids.
Plan Your Events
Summer is a great time to make fun plans. It’s nice to get your events scheduled as early as possible, so you and your kids can look forward to them, have plenty of time to get prepared, and enjoy yourselves when the anticipation and planning finally pay off. Depending on age and interests, plans might vary from something as simple as a trip to the grandparents to something more complicated, like a family vacation in a destination you’ve always wanted to visit.
Plan Your Daily Activities
It’s also a good idea to make plans for the day-to-day. Summer crafts, playing in the sprinkler, or picnicking in the backyard don’t require as much planning as a family vacation, but they can help fill the hours of summer in a fun and memorable way. Having some stay-at-home plans can be the perfect fit for kids who are overstimulated by new environments. And of course, it’s always best to be prepared for the inevitable complaint of boredom once the novelty of summer freedom has worn off.
Summer is the perfect time to explore, try new things, and create memories. By planning ahead and balancing the spontaneity with routine, you can keep your summer fun, full, relaxing, and organized for the whole family.
