As the school year ends, the panic begins for many mamas who question how they’re going to keep their children entertained and keep up with all of their motherly and wifely duties over the next couple of months.
Trust me when I say this - I GET IT. Honestly. As a teacher, my children are not the only ones who lose their normal routine come Memorial Day, and personally I thrive on structure. I know I’m not the only one who gets cranky as soon as our routine is flipped upside down. Summer time is supposed to be a time for us all to rest and recharge, but it often brings a new set of worries and anxiety. More so now than when my kids were younger.
If you’re a mom (or dad) looking to maintain some sense of normalcy (and sanity) while your kids are home for summer, you’ve come to the right place. I hope the suggestions of summer routines for kids below help keep your kids occupied and thriving until Labor Day.
Routine is Important
As an elementary school teacher I can confidently say most children respond better to situations with predictability. Creating a summer routine will not only reduce your stress and anxiety, but also your child's. Note that I am absolutely NOT recommending you attempt to stick with a strict schedule or checklist. This is where predictability meets flexibility.
Try to keep a regular sleep/bedtime schedule. I know if my kids had it their way they would stay up all night playing Nintendo and sleep until noon. Unfortunately, this is not sustainable and will not work in your favor in the long run.
Schedule a daily quiet time. - My kids (8 and 9) are well past their nap time era, but carving out an hour or 2 during the day to rest, read, or recharge quietly and independently is a benefit for everyone.
Spend some time outside each day. This will look different for every family. Some easy ideas are taking a walk, swimming, or a picnic at the park.
Schedule some time for household chores. Even younger children can help with putting away or sorting dishes and laundry.
Check out your local community events. Most libraries and civic organizations host a wide variety of activities during the summer months.
If you are ready to get your kids started on a summer routine check out my FREE summer schedule and checklist printable below!
Have any fun summer ideas to share? Comment below with your suggestions!
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