Though we still have several weeks left of school, many of us have summer on the mind. And for many of us, summer is a time to enjoy longer, stress-free days. Ideally, there is less hurry in the morning to leave the house at an early hour and fewer commitments in the afternoons or evenings. Hopefully too, family vacations and long weekend getaways bring joy filled experiences that create lasting memories. I know for me, the anticipation of summer is sometimes as exciting as summer itself.
I am also well aware that summer can devolve quicker than a melting ice cream cone on a hot day. Those ideal days you had planned for the summer can fail to materialize. Sibling bickering, nagging about technology use, and boredom busters are just a few of the pitfalls that can get in the way of a nice day where everyone feels relaxed (including you). Should the days be structured or unstructured? I am a fan of some level of structure (i.e. somewhat consistent bedtimes and wake ups, time for reading/math maintenance, etc.), but I also think summer is a fantastic time for children to learn how to entertain themselves. Resist the urge to feel you like you have to entertain them or schedule them every week. Opportunities to figure out how to what to do with stretches of free time with good old fashioned fun is a really positive thing.
And remember, summers change as quickly as your children. The stages and phases they were in last summer, are different than the ones they will enter into this June. Try to enjoy! For ideas on how to have fun and stay sane, check out these various sites.
10 parenting tips to preserve summer sanity
Free or almost free things to do in the Puget Sound
Homemade summer treats
101 Fun things to do this summer
Take care!
