As much as we would like them to be, summer schedules are not just fun in the sun, relaxing days with nothing to do. Many of us still have to manage a full-time work schedule plus our kids being home (and typically bored) all summer. So what are some ways to deal with the additional stress of having kids at home, getting them to and from summer activities, planning a vacation and still getting everything done on the work front?
Here are some key steps that can be done to help make the transition to a summer schedule easier on everyone.
FINISH THE SCHOOL YEAR – Do not allow your kids school supplies and papers to become clutter in your home. School may end in May or June, but you are not really finished with school until all of the kids papers, projects, and supplies are put away. Take a picture of your kids projects and keep those instead of the project itself. Use a large portfolio to store larger posters, and remember to keep only the items that are special (papers, reports, etc.). Store everything in a box with that child’s name and grade. Add your extra school supplies to your existing craft box, or if they are not needed in your home, donate them back to the school. After you put everything away, then you can start your summer.
GET A GREAT CALENDAR – Keep track of your summer appointments, work schedule, kids activities, and chores. Getting everything down on one calendar will let everyone know what the expectations are for the day. Plus, it will allow you to see when there is free time so your can have some family fun time.
MANAGE YOUR STRESS – Take a deep breath, then start planning your summer NOW! You will add significantly more stress to your life if you wait until the last-minute to plan for your summer. Camps, activities, and classes for the summer fill up fast and most have already started taking registrations. Don’t be left out by waiting to make a plan.
KEEP IT SIMPLE – Although some kids tend to get bored over the summer, they don’t need to be busy every second either. Plan a little stay at home, down time for them, as well as for yourself.
KEEP A ROUTINE GOING – Breakfast, chores, bedtimes should all stay close to your normal routine. Although the routine might be altered a little, you will be grateful you had it over the summer. A good routine will keep your days running smoothly and make your transitions from school, to no school and back to school much more manageable.
HAVE FUN – Try your best to have some summer time fun. Enjoy a day at the water park or a museum. Take in a baseball game or go to the movies. Not everything about summer has to add stress. Spend a little time enjoying your kids while they are home.
Hopefully these tips will help ease your stress and allow your summer to get off to the right start.
Happy Organizing…Bridges