If you’re anything like me, you are currently feeling a healthy dose of nerves and fear as the kids are excitedly counting down the days to summer break (and dreaming of the picture above). No? Just me? I hope I’m not alone here!
While I love my kids (obviously), they are a lot of work. They need a lot of things…everyday. Things like breakfast, snacks, lunch, more snacks, attention, entertainment, another snack (why do they eat SO much??). I knew this when I signed up for motherhood, but geesh!
These past 15 months have been a whirlwind of fear, transition and emotional ups and downs. Every time we get settled into a routine, it’s back to virtual learning…or in-person learning…or winter break. This would be fine if I had no other responsibilities in life, but I do (along with every other parent in the universe). I have this little thing called a job, and summer and fall happen to be my busiest times of the year.
So…I’m just a *little* nervous about having 3 kids at home with me and trying to figure out how to juggle ALL THE THINGS. Anyone with me here?
In order to prevent a full-blown panic attack, I decided to sit down and plan out our summer as best I could. I listed out my needs (work-related and personal) and mapped out all the vacation and camp weeks. My kids and I also made a summer bucket list. This is something we do each spring. Basically, it’s a list of things they’d like to do or places they’d like to go. We keep it fairly simple. This year’s list is full of parks, the library’s summer reading program, picnic dates with friends and pool time.
Then, my husband and I sit down and figure out the carpool situation and how to break up the work day so that I can actually accomplish the things on my to-do list. I also brainstormed a few other ways to ensure we all come out of this summer unscathed. Here they are:
- Map Out a Daily Routine…and Stick with It!
Our kids crave consistency. If there’s one thing that’s been missing during this pandemic, that would be it. Map out a daily schedule that works for your family and stick with it. I don’t mean plan out every minute of every day, but do have a rough plan for each day. Factor in breakfast, lunch and snack times and time for chores, reading and other activities. Be specific about if and when screen time will be allowed. Use timers on your smart devices to hold your kids (and yourself!) accountable.
2. Have a Daily Quiet Period
Perhaps your kiddos are still little and take naps. Hooray! Unfortunately, we are past that stage at my house. However, I am instituting a quiet hour each day this summer. The kids and I have chosen 4 separate locations in our house (bedroom, playroom, living room and porch) where we will spend one hour everyday. This is time for me to work and them to do a quiet activity such as reading, puzzles, rest or quiet play. I have discussed my expectations for this time so they know what they may and may not do, as well as the purpose of this time being to rest and recharge (them) and work (me). This is also a great time for kids to practice mindfulness activities which will help with emotional regulation. There are tons of great resources out there such as yoga cards, mindfulness picture books, etc. that you can tap into.
3. Schedule One-on-One Time with Each Child
I have one child who is really struggling with reading. She is getting a lot of extra help at school and does tutoring 2 afternoons a week. It will be critical for her to continue being exposed to books and practicing reading every single day over the summer. Since my kids typically play really well in pairs (not as much in 3s), I decided to set aside time each day for me to spend one-on-one with each of my kids. During this time, the other 2 will occupy each other outside or in another room. This way, I can work on reading with one kiddo, emotional regulation strategies with another and basic preschool skills with the third. Everyone gets what they need and gets bonus time with mom! It’s a win-win!
4. Plan Your Weekly Activities/Outings
Remember how I mentioned the summer bucket list? This is where those activities come into play. Each week, we will choose the activities we are going to do, based on the weather, what camps or other commitments we have, etc. I typically have my kids take turns choosing the activities so that everyone’s choices are honored. Our rule is, if you whine and complain about someone else’s choices, you lose your next opportunity to choose. We do not do one activity or outing everyday. Some days, I cave and let them have screen time. Other days, they are having a blast playing outside with neighbors, and I’m not about to interrupt that! It is nice to have something to look forward to each week, though!
5. Take Time for Yourself
Be sure to schedule in time for YOU! You know those things that just help you feel like the best version of yourself? Make sure those things are on the calendar! Whether it’s exercise, time to read, get a massage or veg out with Netflix, it’s imperative you MAKE the time to do them. It’s for your own sanity. You will a better parent if you’re taking care of yourself as well!
6. Give Yourself Grace When Everything Blows Up in Your Face 🙂
It’s going to happen. I know and you know it. On the days that it inevitably happens, give yourself grace, bust out the iPads (or sprinklers, or popsicles, or whatever will help you get through the day) and remind yourself that tomorrow will be better!
Hopefully, you’ve gotten some good tips for surviving the summer and you’re ready to tackle the challenge! Have a tip that wasn’t mentioned? Share it with us!
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